What happened
On 03 October 2011, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration C-FHTT, was operating a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Whitecourt, Alberta, toward Drayton Valley Industrial Airport. During the mission, the aircraft encountered deteriorating weather, including fog and low cloud ceilings, which transitioned the flight into instrument meteorological conditions. While navigating through the clouds, the aircraft struck terrain approximately one nautical mile south of the destination airport. The impact resulted in one fatality. There was no post-crash fire, and search and rescue authorities did not receive a signal from the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter.
The investigation
The investigation focused on operational decision-making and environmental factors rather than mechanical failure, as no aircraft system malfunctions were identified. Investigators examined the pilot's flight path and the decision to continue the flight despite the weather. It was noted that the pilot had previously aborted a flight two days prior due to similar weather conditions, suggesting an awareness of environmental risks.
Investigators also looked into the pilot's actions while in the clouds. The pilot did not request assistance or vectors from the Edmonton Area Control Centre, and there was no evidence of an attempt to return to the better weather at Whitecourt. Additionally, the investigation examined the pilot's use of safety equipment, noting that the shoulder harnesses were not in use and the emergency locator transmitter switch was in the off position.