Occurrence
In March 2022, an Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3 was performing avalanche control operations approximately 35 nautical miles north of Nelson, British Columbia, in the Kootenay Valley. The helicopter was hovering near a snow- and ice-covered mountainside with one pilot and two avalanche technicians on board.
During the hover, the tail rotor contacted terrain or an object. The pilot immediately executed a forced landing. The helicopter impacted the snow pack and subsequently rolled over. The tail boom was struck and partially severed by the main rotor blades.
All three occupants were able to extricate themselves from the wreckage with only minor injuries. Another helicopter in the vicinity retrieved the crew from the mountain.
Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada conducted a class 4 investigation, which is limited in scope. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days and do not include formal findings or recommendations. The final report contains limited analysis based on available information.
Equipment
The helicopter involved was an Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3. No registration information was provided in the investigation report.
Aftermath
Following the accident, the injured crew were attended to by emergency services. There were no fatalities. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.