Occurrence
The Bell 206B helicopter, registration C-FZWB (serial number 1342), operated by Wood Buffalo Helicopters, was conducting wildlife survey work approximately 75 nautical miles north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, in 2013. While the pilot was identifying a landing site, the helicopter entered an un-commanded rotation to the right and descended into a stand of trees. The event occurred at 1058 Mountain Daylight Time.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and the right rear seat passenger sustained fatal injuries. The remaining passenger, who was seated in the left front seat, was seriously injured. The helicopter's 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter activated on impact. There was no post-impact fire.
Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada conducted a class 3 investigation into this occurrence. Class 3 investigations analyze a small number of safety issues and may result in recommendations. They are generally completed within 450 days.
Cause
The investigation determined that the crash resulted from a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. This conclusion was announced in a news release dated February 5, 2014.