Occurrence
On 30 July 2015, an Airbus Helicopters AS 350 BA helicopter, registration C-GBPS and serial number 1277, operated by Canadian Helicopters Limited, was at a remote microwave tower site approximately 5 nautical miles west-southwest of Rigolet, Newfoundland and Labrador. The helicopter had flown to the site with a pilot and 2 passengers on board. At about 1609 Atlantic Daylight Time, the helicopter lifted off from the helipad at the tower site and struck a tower guy wire with the main rotor. The impact caused the helicopter to strike the ground and come to rest on its upper right side.
Injuries and Damage
One passenger sustained fatal injuries, the pilot sustained serious injuries, and the other passenger sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was destroyed. There was no post-crash fire. The 406-megahertz emergency locator transmitter did not activate. The accident occurred during daylight hours.
Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada conducted a class 3 investigation into the occurrence. Class 3 investigations analyze a small number of safety issues and may result in recommendations. These investigations are generally completed within 450 days.