TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 26 August 2026.
Collision with terrain
Hanley Heli Service Inc.
Bell Helicopter Textron 206L (helicopter), C-GCHM
Fort Chipewyan Airport (CYPY), Alberta, 4 NM ESE
The occurrence
On 12 February 2024, the Hanley Heli Service Inc. Bell Helicopter Textron 206L helicopter (registration C-GCHM, serial number 45083) was conducting aerial geo-survey operations, with a sensor attached to a 300-foot longline, in the western area of Lake Athabasca near the Fort Chipewyan Airport (CYPY), Alberta. While returning to CYPY due to deteriorating weather and at approximately 0.4 nautical miles from the threshold of Runway 22, the pilot encountered reduced visibility, reversed course, and then turned toward Lake Athabasca. A few minutes later, at approximately 1518 Mountain Standard Time, the helicopter collided with the ice-covered surface of Lake Athabasca. The pilot, who was the sole occupant on board, was fatally injured. The helicopter was destroyed by the impact forces. There was no post-impact fire.
Media materials
Investigation information
Photos
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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.