Air transportation

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Air transportation safety investigation report

Air transportation safety investigation A23W0040

The occurrence

At 1134 Mountain Standard Time on 17 April 2023, the Government of Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-12/47E (registration C-GMPX, serial number 1017) departed Whitehorse/Erik Nielsen International Airport (CYXY), Yukon, on an instrument flight rules flight to Yellowknife Airport (CYZF), Northwest Territories. The pilot was the sole occupant.

Air transportation safety investigation A23W0048

The occurrence

An Airbus Helicopters AS350 B2, operated by Range Helicopters Inc, was returning to the Edson airport, Alberta, from a staging area supporting firefighting operations to the east of Edson. On approach to the airport, the pilot expedited his arrival due to incoming fixed-wing air traffic. On the final approach to landing, the helicopter entered a descent that resulted in a hard landing and roll-over.

Air transportation safety investigation A23P0040

The occurrence

A Mustang Helicopters Inc. Airbus Helicopter AS 350 B3 was conducting maintenance ground runs at Smithers Airport, British Columbia. While on the flight idle power setting, the helicopter began an uncontrollable rotation, striking 2 maintenance staff who were on the ground beside the helicopter. The pilot was able to cut the fuel to shut down the engine and keep the helicopter upright.

Air transportation safety investigation A23P0091

The occurrence

On 28 July 2023, a float-equipped De Havilland DHC-2 Mk. I (Beaver) aircraft operated by Air Nootka Ltd. was conducting a flight from Louie Bay, on Nootka Island, British Columbia, to Gold River Water Aerodrome (CAU6), British Columbia, with one pilot on board. During approach near the CAU6 dock, the aircraft made an abrupt turn to the right, impacting trees and coming to rest approximately 50 m into the forest.

The aircraft was significantly damaged, and the pilot was seriously injured.


Air transportation safety investigation A23W0091

The occurrence

On 28 July 2023, a Piper PA-32R was conducting a visual flight rules flight from Springbank Airport (CYBW), Alberta to Salmon Arm (CZAM), British Columbia with one pilot and five passengers on board. The aircraft was reported overdue late in the evening. An emergency locator transmitter signal was heard by an overflying aircraft in the vicinity of Bow Valley Provincial Park, Kananaskis, Alberta. Search and rescue located the aircraft on the east slope of Mount McGillivray, Alberta on the morning of 29 July.

Air transportation safety investigation A23W0103

The occurrence

On 28 August 2023, a privately registered Cessna 152 aircraft, operated by AFS Aerial Photography, departed from the Claresholm Industrial Airport, Alberta, with one pilot on board. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft collided with terrain approximately 6000 feet northeast of the airport. The emergency locator transmitter activated, and its signal was received by several aircraft in the vicinity. There was no post-impact fire.

The pilot was fatally injured.