Eurocopter AS350 crash near Cultus Lake, Canada

On February 17, 2012, about 1350 pacific standard time, a Eurocopter AS350 B3, Canadian registration C-FMPG, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Cultus Lake, British Columbia, Canada. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. According to information provided by the Canadian government, the helicopter took off from a staging area with only the pilot on board. It was hovering about 80 feet above the ground when an abnormal noise was heard and a puff of smoke appeared to come from the engine. The helicopter descended, turned about 180 degrees, and crashed on the ground below. The pilot was fatally injured. There was no fire and the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) activated at impact. This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada. This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by the Government of Canada. Further information pertaining to his accident may be obtained from: Transportation Safety Board of Canada 200 Promenade du Portage Place du Centre 4th Floor Gatineau, Quebec K1A 1K8