Casualties unknown

2015-09-08: Robinson R44, C-GZFX — Apex Helicopters Inc. — Foleyet, Ontario, 17 nm S, CA

Foleyet, Ontario, 17 nm S, CA

On September 8, 2015, a Robinson R44, C-GZFX operated by Apex Helicopters Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Foleyet, Ontario, 17 nm S, CA. This summary draws on records from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)Primary reportUpdated 1785068748Data APIEditorial standards

On 08 September 2015, an Apex Helicopters Inc. Robinson R44 (C GZFX) struck trees on elevated terrain near Foleyet, Ontario, resulting in fatal injuries to the pilot and passenger. The helicopter was destroyed, and no ELT signal was detected.

Occurrence

On 08 September 2015, at approximately 2015 Eastern Daylight Time, an Apex Helicopters Inc. Robinson R44 helicopter (registration C GZFX, serial number 0595) departed from a camp on Horwood Lake, Ontario, destined for the Foleyet Timber Camp, located 17 nautical miles south of Foleyet, Ontario. The helicopter carried one pilot and one passenger. About 3.1 nautical miles northwest of the Foleyet Timber Camp, the helicopter struck trees on elevated terrain. The occupants sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces, and there was no post-impact fire. The aircraft was equipped with an emergency locator transmitter (ELT), but no signal was transmitted or detected by search and rescue agencies.

Discovery

The aircraft was not reported missing until the following day, 09 September 2015, at approximately 1500, at which point search and rescue operations were initiated. The wreckage was discovered by a company aircraft on 11 September 2015.

Investigation

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) deployed a team of investigators to the accident site. This investigation is classified as a Class 3 investigation, which analyzes a limited number of safety issues and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.