TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 27 February 2025.
Collision with terrain
Valhalla Helicopters Inc.
Bell B205A-1 (helicopter)
Haig Lake, Alberta
The occurrence
On 19 July 2023, the Valhalla Helicopters Inc. Bell Textron Inc. 205A-1 helicopter (registration C-GRUV, serial number 30198) was conducting operations in support of firefighting efforts in north-central Alberta. At 1803 Mountain Daylight Time, the helicopter departed Haig Lake firebase, Alberta, on a visual flight rules flight to a forest fire located approximately 15 nautical miles northeast of Peace River Aerodrome (CYPE), Alberta, with 1 pilot onboard and an empty bucket suspended below the helicopter on a 150-foot longline. Shortly after departure, the helicopter experienced an engine failure. During the subsequent autorotation to a patch of muskeg, the water bucket became entangled in trees. At approximately 1805, the helicopter impacted the terrain in a nose-down, left-banked attitude and was substantially damaged. There was no post-impact fire. The pilot survived the initial impact and was able to egress from the helicopter but later died of his injuries.
Media materials
News release
Helicopter engine failure led to fatal collision with terrain during firefighting operations in Alberta
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team following a helicopter accident near Peace River, Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, 20 July 2023 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators following an accident involving a Bell 205A helicopter during firefighting operations near Peace River, Alberta. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Media materials
Investigation information
A23W0082
Collision with terrain
Valhalla Helicopters Inc.
Bell B205A-1 (helicopter)
Haig Lake, Alberta
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- 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.
- 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.