Occurrence
On the day of the accident, at 1351 Pacific Standard Time, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Eurocopter AS 350 B3 helicopter, registration C-FMPG, serial number 3082, departed from an open field near Cultus Lake, British Columbia, on the outskirts of Chilliwack. The helicopter was occupied solely by the pilot. After takeoff, the helicopter travelled approximately 260 feet to the north and then entered a hover at about 80 feet above the ground, which lasted for roughly 30 seconds. Suddenly, a distinct noise and a puff of grey or white vapour emanated from the engine area, followed by a rapid loss of rotor revolutions per minute. The helicopter descended quickly and, within seconds, impacted the snow-covered terrain heavily. Upon ground impact, the fuselage collapsed and the fuel tank ruptured. No fire occurred. The helicopter was destroyed, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries. The emergency locator transmitter activated and was detected by the search and rescue satellite system. The accident occurred in daylight at coordinates 49°04′13″ N and 121°56′08″ W, at an elevation of about 650 feet above sea level.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Eurocopter AS 350 B3 (registration C-FMPG, serial number 3082) operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, designated as Air Five. The helicopter had a single engine and was configured for law enforcement operations. No further details about the aircraft's maintenance history or modifications were provided in the source.
Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada classified this occurrence as a class 3 investigation. These investigations typically focus on a limited number of safety issues and may result in recommendations. The class 3 process is generally completed within 450 days. The investigation analyzed the sequence of events but did not state a probable cause in the provided source material.