Updated in April 2026: Information in this update is preliminary and may be supplemented or revised during the investigation.
In-flight break-up
Veezee Aviation Inc.
Robinson R44 (helicopter), C-GKVH
Fredericton International Airport (CYFC), New Brunswick, 35 NM ESE
The occurrence
On 28 March 2026, a Robinson R44 helicopter operated by Veezee Aviation Inc. departed from Fredericton International Airport, New Brunswick, on a visual flight rules flight to Sussex, New Brunswick.
During the flight, the helicopter disappeared from the radar approximately 35 nautical miles east-southeast of Fredericton and failed to report its arrival. The Joint Rescue and Coordination Centre (JRCC) was notified, and search and rescue (SAR) resources were deployed to locate the missing helicopter.
The wreckage was located in the early morning hours of 29 March 2026. The pilot, who was the sole occupant on board the aircraft, was fatally injured. The TSB is investigating.
Work completed as of April 2026
- The recovered wreckage has been transported to the TSB’s regional facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, for further examination.
- The distribution of the wreckage over a large area is consistent with an in-flight break-up.
Media materials
Investigation information
A26A0019
In-flight break-up
Veezee Aviation Inc.
Robinson R44 (helicopter), C-GKVH
Fredericton International Airport (CYFC), New Brunswick, 35 NM ESE
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.