Terrace, B.C. – A Transportation Safety Board investigation of a fatal helicopter crash near Terrace points to a loss of visibility as a central cause in the incident.

The Eurocopter AS350 operated by Bailey Helicopters Ltd. was 45 minutes into a mountain training flight June 1st, 2012 when it slammed into the side of a snow-covered mountain ravine killing all three people on board.

The TSB says the weather at the time of the crash was cloudy and rainy with low visibility and most of the mountain peaks obscured by clouds.  Investigators say Bailey had Transport Canada authorization to fly in reduced visibility.  However, the report concludes that the helicopter inadvertently entered weather conditions that required flying by instrument termed “instrument meteorological conditions” (IMC).  The aircraft was not equipped for flying in IMC nor were the pilots rated to fly in such conditions.

The investigators say the conditions caused the pilots to lose visual reference with the ground, become disoriented, lose control of the helicopter, and crash.  The Transportation Safety Board says research suggests pilots without instrument flight training who lose sight of the ground will lose control of the aircraft within three minutes.

Bailey has made a number of changes since the crash.  It has suspended its authorization for reduced-visibility flights, implemented a flight data monitoring program, and put in place tools to enhance pilot decision making.  The company has also enhanced training for its pilots, including controlled flight into terrain avoidance and inadvertent meteorological condition training.