Occurrence
On 14 July 2025, a Bell Textron Inc. 206L-3 helicopter operated by Great Slave Helicopters 2018 Ltd. was conducting tree planting operations in the area around Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories. The helicopter was equipped with STC SH18-69 Van Horn Composite Main Rotor Blades (part number 20633000-101). While on approach to deliver an external load of saplings, the noise of the helicopter audibly changed, and it began to spin about its vertical axis. The helicopter subsequently experienced an in-flight break-up, and a section of one of the main rotor blades separated from the main rotor hub. Following the blade separation, the main rotor hub, blade assembly, and transmission separated from the fuselage. The helicopter then collided with the terrain inverted. The long line was found wrapped around the right-hand skid, and the main rotor blade was located 530 feet from the fuselage. There was no post-impact fire. The pilot, who was the only occupant on board, was fatally injured.
Investigation
The wreckage has been recovered and is in the possession of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), which is conducting a class 3 investigation into the occurrence. Class 3 investigations analyze a small number of safety issues and may result in recommendations; they are generally completed within 450 days.