A fatal helicopter crash in northern Canada has prompted a renewed call for training and technology to help pilots navigate inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC).
The crash on Feb. 12, 2024, involving a Bell 206L helicopter operated by Hanley Helicopter Service Inc., was conducting aerial survey work near Lake Athabasca, Alberta, according to a Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigation.
As weather deteriorated at the nearby Fort Chipewyan airport (CYPY), the pilot encountered reduced visibility while trying to return to the airport, according to the investigation report.
It’s believed the pilot reversed course and turned back toward the lake, flying over the snow-covered surface under an overcast sky, with snow falling.
The aircraft collided with the lake surface shortly after, fatally injuring the pilot. There were no passengers on board.
This is the latest in a string of helicopter accidents in Canada attributed to IIMC.
The TSB has long advocated for training requirements that would help pilots navigate low-visibility conditions, rather than simply instructing them to avoid those conditions.
“Helicopter pilots must have the tools and training that they need to recover from IIMC,” said Yoan Marier, TSB chair.
“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.”
In Canada, commercial helicopter operators are not required to provide training to help pilots recover from IIMC. Many simply rely on the pilot’s ability to identify and avoid these conditions — 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,” the TSB found.
Transport Canada has yet to formally adopt a series of TSB recommendations on the matter, but operators are being urged to voluntarily implement those recommendations.
“Until these recommendations are considered fully satisfactory, the risks to pilots and passengers will remain, and more lives will be lost,” the TSB said.
After the incident, Hanley Heli Service implemented several safety measures, including upgraded flight displays and an advanced online learning system for all flight crew, the investigation found.
