TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 27 May 2025.
Loss of control on ground
Mustang Helicopters Inc.
Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3 (helicopter), C-GUXR
Smithers Airport (CYYD), British Columbia
The occurrence
On 06 May 2023, the Mustang Helicopters Inc. Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3 (registration C-GUXR, serial number 3475) was undergoing maintenance ground run operations at Smithers Airport (CYYD), British Columbia, with 1 pilot on board and 2 maintenance staff members standing on the ground near the helicopter’s left cargo door. During the 3rd maintenance ground run operation, as in the previous 2 maintenance ground run operations, the pilot increased the aircraft engine power from IDLE to FLT (flight idle) while monitoring the instruments. At approximately 0910 Pacific Daylight Time, once the helicopter had reached flight idle, it suddenly began an uncommanded rotation to the right. Upon recognition of the rotation, the pilot moved the engine control to IDLE, turned off the fuel, and applied the rotor brake. The helicopter came to rest after having completed approximately 540° of rotation. Both maintenance staff members were struck multiple times by the tail rotor; one of them sustained serious injuries, and the other was fatally injured. The pilot was uninjured. The helicopter received minor damage.
Media materials
Investigation information
A23P0040
Loss of control on ground
Mustang Helicopters Inc.
Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3 (helicopter), C-GUXR
Smithers Airport (CYYD), British Columbia
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Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 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.