What happened
On 20 July 2020, a privately owned Robinson R44 was conducting a multi-leg cross-country recreational flight. The mission began at Springdale Airport (CCD2) in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a planned refueling stop at a maintenance facility situated on the north-east side of Thorburn Lake (CCW5).
As the aircraft approached the gravel parking area at Thorburn Lake, the pilot transitioned into a hover at tree-top height. During the subsequent vertical climb, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, leading to a collision with the terrain. The impact resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries among the occupants. Nearby witnesses responded to the scene to administer first aid and suppress a small fire that ignited following the crash. The helicopter was destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the event, focusing on the sequence of the flight and the circumstances surrounding the loss of control during the transition from a hover to a climb.