What happened
On 20 June 2024, an AS350 B2 helicopter, operated by Heli Explore Inc., was performing long lining tasks to support exploratory drilling at a mining site located west of Wawa Airport, Ontario. During the second lifting operation of the day, the pilot was flying at an altitude of approximately 300 feet above the ground when the aircraft experienced a gradual descent followed by a sudden, powerful jolt that disturbed the helicopter's attitude.
Following a second, more intense jolt, the pilot released the slung load, which landed in a nearby wooded area. The aircraft then began to yaw toward the left. In an attempt to stabilize the helicopter, the pilot tried to increase forward airspeed; however, due to insufficient altitude to complete the necessary maneuver, the pilot opted for an emergency landing in the trees.
During the impact with the trees, the main rotor blades struck vegetation, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft. The helicopter came to rest on its lower right side. The pilot successfully exited the wreckage and used a satellite phone to notify the operator of his location. Ground personnel arrived at the scene approximately one hour later. The pilot was subsequently airlifted by a search and rescue helicopter to a hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.
The investigation
The TSB examined the sequence of events leading to the loss of control and the subsequent impact with the terrain. The investigation focused on the mechanical or aerodynamic factors that caused the sudden jolts and the resulting leftward yaw that prevented the pilot from maintaining controlled flight.