What happened
On 16 March 2016, an Airbus Helicopter AS350 BA, operated by TRK Helicopters, was engaged in a heli-skiing operation. The aircraft was flying from Bear Creek Lodge, located approximately 82 nautical miles northwest of Smithers, British Columbia, and was in the process of returning to its base camp.
During this flight, the helicopter struck terrain on a steep, snow-covered slope. While the impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, there were no reported fatalities or injuries. Notably, the emergency locator transmitter failed to activate and did not transmit an emergency signal following the collision.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the impact with the slope. Investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the flight controls during the final moments of the flight. The inquiry established that the aircraft's hydraulic system was experiencing limitations at the time of the accident.