Air transportation safety investigation A25W0077

Table of contents

    Loss of control on landing and collision with terrain
    Can-Oz Heli Services Inc.
    Bell Textron Inc. 206L-4, C-GKVX
    Hespero/Safron Residence Heliport (CTS6), Alberta

    The occurrence

    On 06 July 2025, a commercially owned Bell Textron Inc. 206L-4 helicopter was conducting a recreational flight from Panther River Lodge, Alberta to the Hespero/Safron Residence Heliport with the pilot and 1 passenger on board. As the helicopter arrived at its destination, the pilot conducted an approach to touchdown on the grass strip attached to the heliport. The pilot lifted off and commenced a 2nd approach to the same spot. During the 2nd approach, the helicopter impacted the ground, and the skid gear collapsed. The aircraft emergency locator transmitter activated. The helicopter was significantly damaged and there was no post-accident fire.

    The pilot was seriously injured, and the passenger received fatal injuries. The TSB is investigating.

    Media materials

    Deployment notice

    TSB deploying a team following helicopter accident near Red Deer, Alberta

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    A25W0077

    Loss of control on landing and collision with terrain
    Can-Oz Heli Services Inc.
    Bell Textron Inc. 206L-4, C-GKVX
    Hespero/Safron Residence Heliport (CTS6), Alberta

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.