Fatal helicopter crash in mountain ravine near Terrace, British Columbia

Casualties unknown • Terrace, British Columbia 14 nm W, CA

A Bailey Helicopters Limited Eurocopter AS350-B2 crashed into a snow-covered mountainside during a training flight, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

On the morning of the accident, a Eurocopter AS350-B2 helicopter, registered as C-FBHN, departed from Terrace Airport at 07:54 Pacific Daylight Time. The aircraft was operated by Bailey Helicopters Limited and was performing a local mountain training flight. On board the helicopter were two pilots and one aircraft maintenance engineer.

At approximately 08:41, while flying in daylight conditions, the helicopter struck the side of a mountain ravine covered in snow. The impact occurred at an elevation of roughly 4,000 feet above sea level. Following the collision, the aircraft's 406-megahertz emergency locator transmitter was triggered, which prompted the start of search operations. A nearby commercial helicopter operator discovered the wreckage approximately one hour and 50 minutes after the event. The aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact, and there were no survivors.

Probable cause

The helicopter struck a snow-covered mountain ravine during a training flight, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and all three occupants.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-06-01 Eurocopter AS350-B2 (Helicopter), C-FBHN accident near Terrace, British Columbia 14 nm W, CA?

A Bailey Helicopters Limited Eurocopter AS350-B2 crashed into a snow-covered mountainside during a training flight, resulting in three fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-06-01 involved a Eurocopter AS350-B2 (Helicopter), C-FBHN, operated by Bailey Helicopters Limited, at Terrace, British Columbia 14 nm W, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The helicopter struck a snow-covered mountain ravine during a training flight, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and all three occupants.

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