What happened
On the morning of September 2, 2015, a Bell 206B helicopter, registered as C-GYBK, was conducting a flight from the Sept-Îles airport in Quebec. Operated by Héli-Nord, the aircraft was carrying one pilot and four passengers to inspect a salmon pass located roughly 20 nautical miles north of the airport.
As the helicopter was performing its final approach and was only a few feet above the ground, the aircraft experienced an uncommanded rotation to the right. Following several turns, the helicopter struck a rock on its front right side. The impact occurred at approximately 09:40 EDT. The crash resulted in two fatalities and three serious injuries. While a fire ignited in the engine tailpipe upon impact, it was quickly put out by individuals present at the scene.
The investigation
Investigators focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control during the landing phase. The investigation confirmed that the 406-MHz emergency locator transmitter was triggered by the impact. The examination centered on the mechanics of the uncommanded rightward rotation that occurred just before the collision with the terrain.