Air transportation

The occurrence

Shortly before 1100 Mountain Daylight Time on 06 October 2023, 2 aircraft tow vehicles (tugs) (call sign ATSTOW504 +1) operated by Airport Terminal Services at Calgary International Airport (CYYC), Alberta, planned to drive from Apron 1, to the south side of the airport to reposition an aircraft that was parked on Runway 26. The lead tug driver was given instructions by the ground controller to proceed south on taxiways C, C1, and Y, and hold short of Runway 26.

The occurrence

On 24 October 2023, a Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter operated by Helijet International Inc. was conducting a flight from Vancouver Harbour Heliport, British Columbia (BC), to Victoria Harbour Heliport, BC, with 2 flight crew members and 12 passengers on board. During cruise flight, the aircraft was struck by lightning and entered an uncontrolled descent. The pilot-in-command regained control of the aircraft after losing approximately 2900 vertical feet.

The occurrence

On 14 October 2023, a Piper PA-31-350 aircraft, operated by SkyCare Air Ambulance, was conducting a flight from Pickle Lake Airport, Ontario, to Winnipeg/St. Andrews Airport, Manitoba.

Before the flight, the aircraft was fuelled by a local fuelling company at the Pickle Lake Airport. After the aircraft departed, the fueller realized that the aircraft was given the wrong type of fuel. The fuelling company relayed a message to the flight crew to advise them.

The occurrence

At 0642 Mountain Standard Time (MST) on 23 January 2024, the BAE Systems Jetstream 3212 aircraft (registration C-FNAA) operated by Northwestern Air Lease Ltd. was destroyed when it collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Runway 30 on a scheduled flight from Fort Smith Airport (CYSM), Northwest Territories, to the Diavik Aerodrome (CDK2), Northwest Territories. Six people were fatally injured, and 1 person received minor injuries.

The occurrence

On 20 September 2023, a De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver aircraft, operated by Sealand Aviation Ltd., was conducting a local flight from Campbell River Airport, British Columbia, with 2 pilots on board. After a stall exercise, the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude, and a forced landing was initiated. The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain in a heavily forested area. A The emergency locator transmitter activated. The crew was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.

The occurrence

On 26 September 2023, a Buchanan & Son Aviation Ltd Bell 206L helicopter, carrying 1 pilot and 5 passengers, was conducting a forestry survey flight from a private property 27 nautical miles east of Prince George Airport, British Columbia. Shortly after takeoff at 0735 Pacific Daylight Time, approximately 100 feet above the ground, the helicopter began to spin, lost altitude and struck trees.

The occurrence

On 27 December 2023, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 300 aircraft operated by Air Tindi Ltd. was conducting a flight from Margaret Lake, Northwest Territories, to Lac de Gras, Northwest Territories, with 2 crew members and 8 passengers on board. On approach to Lac de Gras, the aircraft collided with terrain. Two people sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was significantly damaged.