What happened
On May 2, 2024, a Bell 206L helicopter, operated by Custom Helicopters Ltd., began a visual flight rules flight from Goose Bay Airport, Newfoundland and Labrador, bound for Pangnirtung Airport, Nunavut. At the time of departure, the area was experiencing light snowfall, which resulted in reduced visibility and low cloud ceilings. The aircraft was occupied solely by the pilot.
While flying approximately 75 nautical miles north of Goose Bay, the pilot encountered further decreases in visibility due to the ongoing snowfall. In an attempt to find better flying conditions, the pilot altered the planned flight path. During this maneuvering, the helicopter performed several turns and began a descent. Following a left turn, the aircraft struck the frozen surface of Lewis Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, and came to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
Following the impact, the pilot managed to exit the aircraft through the right front door. The pilot successfully activated the SOS function on a portable satellite communicator and confirmed that the emergency locator transmitter was operational.
Upon receiving the distress signal, the Canadian Mission Control Centre alerted the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A search and rescue helicopter was subsequently deployed to retrieve the pilot. The pilot was transported to a medical facility in Goose Bay, where they were treated for minor injuries.
Due to the risk of melting ice on Lewis Lake, the wreckage was recovered shortly after the occurrence.