Canada’s Transportation Safety Board releases final report on fatal firefighting helicopter crash

Canada’s Transportation Safety Board has released its final report on a 2023 helicopter crash in northern Alberta that killed the pilot.

The helicopter, operated by Valhalla Helicopters, was assisting with wildfire suppression in the Peace River region. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a mechanical issue and attempted to return to base.

According to investigators, as the helicopter descended, the empty water bucket it was carrying became entangled in trees. The pilot managed to release the line, but the incident caused a loss of control, and the aircraft crashed nose-first into the ground.

The pilot, 41-year-old Ryan Gould of Whitecourt, Alta., survived the impact but later died from his injuries.

The crash occurred during Canada’s deadliest year on record for firefighters, with eight fatalities reported in 2023.