Incident Overview
On February 17, 2012, at approximately 1350 Pacific Standard Time, a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, Canadian registration C-FMPG, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Cultus Lake, British Columbia, Canada. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured.
Sequence of Events
According to information provided by the Canadian government, the helicopter departed from a staging area with only the pilot on board. While hovering at an altitude of about 80 feet above ground level, an abnormal noise was heard and a puff of smoke appeared to emanate from the engine. Subsequently, the helicopter began to descend, executed a turn of approximately 180 degrees, and then crashed onto the ground below.
Post-Crash Conditions
There was no fire following the impact. The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) activated upon impact.
Investigation
This accident investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is the authority responsible for further information. This report is for informational purposes only and contains facts released by the Government of Canada.
Official Source
Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from:
Transportation Safety Board of Canada 200 Promenade du Portage Place du Centre 4th Floor Gatineau, Quebec K1A 1K8