What happened
On the morning of 09 November 2022, an Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3 helicopter, registered as C-FVCR, departed from a staging area in Kitsault, British Columbia. Operated by Geotech Aviation Ltd., the aircraft was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) mission involving an airborne geophysical survey over rugged, mountainous terrain. The flight was being conducted with only the pilot on board.
After approximately 90 minutes of flight time and the completion of six low-level survey passes, the pilot contacted the base to report feeling unwell. Due to this medical concern, the pilot intended to return to the Kitsault staging area ahead of the original schedule. However, the aircraft failed to reach its destination. At 1118 Pacific Standard Time, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria, British Columbia, detected an emergency locator transmitter signal.
The investigation
Search and rescue operations eventually located the wreckage of the C-FVCR approximately 2 nautical miles south-southwest of the Kitsault staging area. The aircraft was found situated on a mountainside characterized by heavy forest density. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the helicopter.
Findings
- The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
- The crash occurred during a period when the pilot was attempting to terminate the flight early due to sudden illness.