What happened
In March 2022, an Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3 was engaged in avalanche control activities approximately 35 NM north of Nelson, British Columbia. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and two avalanche technicians. While the helicopter was maintaining a hover near a mountainside covered in ice and snow, the tail rotor made contact with the terrain or an object. Following the strike, the pilot executed an immediate forced landing. During the descent, the helicopter struck the snow pack and subsequently rolled over. The impact of the main rotor blades caused the tail boom to be struck and partially severed.
The investigation
The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the incident. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the tail rotor contact and the subsequent rollover of the aircraft.