Fatal Helicopter Accident in British Columbia

Accident Overview and Immediate Sequence of Events On the morning of the accident, an MD Helicopter 369D (registration C-GZIO, serial number 500715D), operated by Prism Helicopters, departed from Alice Arm, British Columbia, at approximately 0709 Pacific daylight time. The helicopter was conducting support operations for mining exploration and was en route to a drill site in the Kitsault River valley. The flight carried one pilot and three passengers. During the initial climb in a shallow left turn, the aircraft emitted an unusual sound. At an altitude of about 150 feet above ground level, the helicopter suddenly banked 90 degrees to the right and fell to the ground. The aircraft broke up upon impact with a fallen tree, and the main section, containing all occupants, fell into the Kitsault River and remained mostly submerged. All four occupants sustained fatal injuries on impact. A small post-crash fire occurred on the riverbank and extinguished on its own. The emergency locator transmitter continued to operate until it was turned off by first responders.