News release

Following its investigation (A24W0016) into a fatal helicopter accident near Fort Chipewyan, Alberta (AB), the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) says that relying solely on the avoidance of weather conditions that can lead to loss of visual references in flight leaves helicopter pilots and passengers at risk. 

On February 12, 2024, a Bell 206L helicopter operated by Hanley Heli Service Inc., was conducting aerial survey work in the area of Lake Athabasca, AB. During the survey, the pilot was informed of deteriorating weather conditions at Fort Chipewyan airport (CYPY) and advised to return to CYPY. While on approach, the pilot encountered reduced visibility and reversed course before turning back toward the lake. The helicopter flew over the snow-covered lake surface under an overcast sky and in falling snow. Shortly after, it collided with the frozen lake surface, fatally injuring the pilot, who was the sole occupant. 

The investigation found that the pilot likely experienced inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological condition (IIMC), a situation in which a pilot unexpectedly loses visual references, often leading to a loss of control or controlled flight into terrain. Despite the unexpected nature of IIMC, there is no requirement for commercial helicopter companies that conduct visual-only flight operations to provide pilots with training or technology needed to recover. As a result, many operators rely solely on the pilot’s ability to recognize and avoid conditions that can lead to a loss of visual references (the “avoid-at-all-costs” approach). In this occurrence, the helicopter was equipped with basic flight instruments; however, the pilot had limited experience and minimal training in recovering from IIMC.  

This is not an isolated case. Many helicopter accidents investigated by the TSB have been attributed to IIMC. In 2024, following its investigation (A21C0038) into a fatal collision with terrain on Griffith Island in Nunavut, the TSB made four recommendations to Transport Canada related to IIMC. Until these recommendations are considered fully satisfactory, the risks to pilots and passengers will remain, and more lives will be lost.  

“Helicopter pilots must have the tools and training that they need to recover from IIMC. Relying solely on avoidance isn’t a strategy, it’s a gamble that leaves lives at risk. The TSB has made recommendations to Transport Canada, but helicopter operators don’t need to wait to give pilots the training and the tools they need to recover from it” said TSB Chair Yoan Marier.  

Following this occurrence, Hanley Heli Service Inc. implemented several safety actions including installing upgraded flight displays and implementing an advanced online learning system for all flight crew.   

See the investigation page for more information.