Updated in August 2025: Information in this update is preliminary and may be supplemented or revised during the investigation.
Collision with terrain
Horizon Helicopters Ltd.
Airbus AS350B, C-GHZN
Whitehorse/Erik Nielsen International Airport (CYXY), Yukon, 5.5 NM E
The occurrence
On 2 May 2025, a Horizon Helicopters Ltd. Airbus AS350B helicopter was conducting a training flight from Whitehorse/Erik Nielsen International Airport (CYXY), Yukon, at approximately 1400 Mountain Standard Time. The training flight was conducted largely in a clearing in a valley approximately 5.5 nautical miles east of the airport. After about an hour of several different training exercises, a series of simulated engine failure exercises (autorotations) were conducted to a large clearing at the base of the valley. The autorotations did not include touchdowns; recoveries were made before touching down. During the fourth autorotation, the aircraft collided with the ground, fatally injuring the trainee pilot. The training pilot received minor injuries and was able to exit the wreckage and call the company using the satellite telephone.
Update: 4 June 2025
The investigation revealed that the damage to the engine and dynamic systems was consistent with power produced at the time of impact. The information gathered to date does not point towards an issue with the flight controls or the helicopter systems. The weather conditions were predominantly within the scope of visual flight rules (VFR), with winds coming from the south. At the time of the accident, convective weather was moving into the Whitehorse area, bringing the possibility of turbulence and wind shear.
Next steps
The investigation is ongoing and is currently in the report phase. The TSB's internal review process is underway for the initial draft report, which precedes the confidential draft report process.
Media materials
Investigation information
A25W0045
Collision with terrain
Horizon Helicopters Ltd.
Airbus AS350B, C-GHZN
Whitehorse/Erik Nielsen International Airport (CYXY), Yukon, 5.5 NM E
Photos
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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.