A deadly helicopter crash in northern Alberta was likely the result of an unexpected loss of visual references, found an investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). On Feb. 12, 2024, a helicopter operated by Hanley Heli Service Inc., was conducting an aerial survey around the frozen Lake Athabasca. The pilot was informed of deteriorating weather conditions at the Fort Chipewyan airport and was asked to return before conditions worsened. As the pilot was returning, they encountered reduced visibility and turned back toward the lake, flying over the it while conditions were overcast and snowing. The helicopter crashed into the frozen lake, killing the pilot who was the only person in the aircraft. TSB found that the pilot likely experienced inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological condition (IIMC), which occurs when a pilot loses visual references unexpectedly, often resulting in loss of control or controlled flight into terrain. There is no requirement for commercial helicopter companies to provide pilots conducting visual-only flight operations with training or technology necessary to recover. TSB said many pilots in this situation rely solely on recognizing and avoiding conditions that can lead to a loss of visual references. In this case, the pilot had limited experience and minimal training in recovering from IIMC. The TSB has made recommendations to Transport Canada related to IIMC following other helicopter crash investigations. “Relying solely on avoidance isn’t a strategy, it’s a gamble that leaves lives at risk,” said TSB chair Yoan Marier in a statement. “The TSB has made recommendations to Transport Canada, but helicopter operators don’t need to wait to give pilots the training and the tools they need to recover from it.” Hanley Heli Service Inc., has since implemented several safety actions including upgraded flight displays and implementing an advanced online learning system for all flight crew. Fort Chipewyan is about 600 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.
