Occurrence
On 2 May 2024, a Bell 206L helicopter, operated by Custom Helicopters Ltd., departed from Goose Bay Airport, Newfoundland and Labrador, on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight to Pangnirtung Airport, Nunavut. The aircraft was carrying only the pilot. The flight encountered conditions of reduced visibility and cloud ceilings due to ongoing light snowfall.
Approximately 75 nautical miles north of Goose Bay, visibility decreased further because of snowfall. The pilot altered his planned route in an attempt to find better visibility. The helicopter made several turns, began a descent, executed a left turn, and then struck the frozen surface of Lewis Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador. The helicopter came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Actions
The pilot exited the helicopter through the right front door. He activated the SOS function on a portable satellite communicator and ensured the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was turned on. The Canadian Mission Control Centre received the signal and contacted the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A search and rescue helicopter was dispatched, which transported the pilot to a medical facility in Goose Bay, where he was treated for minor injuries.
Wreckage Recovery
The wreckage was recovered shortly after the accident due to melting ice conditions on Lewis Lake.
Investigation
This was a class 4 investigation, which is limited in scope and does not contain findings or recommendations. The investigation was completed within 220 days.