What happened
On 25 September 2018, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, operated by Essential Helicopters, was performing a southbound flight from North Bay, Ontario, toward Buttonville Municipal Airport. The aircraft was occupied solely by the pilot.
As the helicopter approached the destination airport, it encountered instrument meteorological conditions. In response to the reduced visibility, the pilot executed a turn to the north, moving away from the airport. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck terrain approximately 9 NM north of the airport. The impact left the helicopter with substantial damage, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the collision with terrain. The investigation focused on the flight path of the aircraft and the environmental conditions present during the approach to Buttonville Municipal Airport.