What happened
On 4 September 2016, a private Bell 206B helicopter departed from Charlo, New Brunswick, bound for Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec. The flight was being conducted under visual flight rules. During the flight, the aircraft struck power lines in the vicinity of Flatlands, New Brunswick. The impact caused significant damage to the helicopter, which subsequently plunged into the Restigouche River.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the impact with the electrical infrastructure and the subsequent crash into the river. The inquiry established that the aircraft was operating in visual flight conditions at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The collision with power lines was the primary event leading to the crash.
- The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving the pilot and the front-seat passenger.
- One passenger, seated in the rear, survived the impact.