A Heli/Express Inc. Messerschmitt MBB-BK117 B-2 (C-FUBK) from Sept-Îles, QC (CYZV) to Sept-Îles, QC (CYZV) took off, and at 4NM N of CYZV, proceeded in the northern direction without having received authorization for a special VFR flight (SVFR). No impact.

A Héli-Boréal Inc. Aerospatiale AS 350 B-2 (C-GMHC) on a flight from Sept-Îles (Hydro-Québec) (Héli), QC (CTA2) to Havre St-Pierre, QC (CYGV) obtained a 5-minute VFR special flight block (SVFR) to cross the Sept-Îles area (CYZV), QC. C-GMHC was then observed approaching CYZV when the visibility went down to 1/4SM. C-GMHC requested to land at CYZV. C-GHMC landed without incident. Impact: delay of 5 minutes on arrival for Sky Jet M.G. aircraft (VSL607).

A Pacific Coastal Airlines Ltd. Beech 1900C (C-FPCO/PCO1613) from Vancouver, BC (CYVR) to Tofino/Long Beach, BC (CYAZ), was on an IFR approach to CYAZ, when the flight service station (FSS) advised there was a SVFR aircraft on approach at CYAZ. PCO1613 was given missed approach instructions, and subsequently landed without incident. No operational impact.

A Hydro One Networks Inc. Aerospatiale AS350 B3 (C-GHON) from Cat Lake, ON (CYAC) to Dryden, ON (CYHD) entered the CYHD control zone without SVFR authorization when the visibility was below VFR minima (1 1/4 miles). C-GHON landed without incident.

A Buffalo Airways Ltd. Curtiss-Wright C46 (BFL309) from Norman Wells, NT (CYVQ) to Yellowknife, NT (CYZF) was cleared to depart the CYVQ control zone while special VFR (SVFR) traffic was also operating within the control zone. BFL309 did not depart until the SVFR traffic reported down. No impact to operations.

An American, privately registered Maule M-7-235 from Watson Lake, YT (CYQH) to Grande Prairie, AB (CYQU) called to request that the flight plan be opened. Weather at the departure aerodrome (CYQH) was observed to be below VFR at 2 statute miles (SM), as reported by the 1611Z observation. The aircraft was queried on the distance from CYQH and their departure time, which was stated to be 1615Z. Pilot was advised of the requirement for a special VFR (SVFR) flight authorization in order to depart from the aerodrome. The aircraft stated that they were 25NM and outbound. The Edmonton flight information region (CZEG) was advised. No impact to operations.

An Airborne Energy Solutions Bell 206B (C-GHPO) on a flight to Fort McMurray, AB (CYMM) operated in the CYMM control zone (CZ) without functioning mode C altitude reporting. No operational impact.

In IFR conditions, a VFR target was seen at 4 NM NE, while a Provincial Airlines Beech 1900D (PVL8323) from Sept-Îles, QC (CYZV) to La Romaine, QC (CTT5) was still in the IFR flight zone. Identified target: a Heli-Inter Aérospatiale AS 350 B-2 (C-FNYG) on a flight to Sept-Îles (Hydro-Québec) (Héli), QC (CTA2). No impact on operations.

A Government of Canada Department of Transport Bell 407 (TGO407) from Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau, QC (CYUL) to Saint-Jean, QC (CYJN) entered the control zone without contacting the tower.

A Héli/Express Aérospatiale AS-350-BA (C-GDEH) from Sept-Îles, QC (CYZV) to Sept-Îles, QC (CYZV) entered the zone even though the pilot had been told three times to stay outside the zone due to an aircraft on approach.

A Héli/Express Aérospatiale AS 350 B-2 (C-GIMG) from Poste Montagnais (Mile 134), QC (CSF3) to Sept-Îles, QC (CYZV) called to request a special VFR (SVFR) flight while it was already in the zone. A Héli/Express Aérospatiale AS 350 BA (C-GRSQ) from Poste Montagnais (Mile 134), QC (CSF3) to Sept-Îles, QC (CYZV) then called to indicate that it, too, wanted an SVFR even though it had already entered the zone. The flight service station (FSS) then asked the air traffic control centre to cancel the clearance so that it could issue a SVFR, given the poor visibility and low ceiling.

A Go Helico Inc. Eurocopter EC-130 B4 (C-GIBO) from Chicoutimi/Saint-Honoré, QC (CYRC) to Quebec, QC (CYQB) was seen at 400 ft ASL in CYR608 restricted airspace.

A privately registered Bell 206B from Quesnel, BC (CYQZ) to Quesnel, BC (CYQZ) was not provided with special VFR (SVFR) authorization, with a Central Mountain Air Ltd. Beech 1900D (C-GCMY/GLR562) from Vancouver, BC (CYVR) to Quesnel, BC (CYQZ) inbound for landing at CYQZ. GLR562 landed at 1905Z and the Bell 206 B at 1908Z. No other impact on operations.

A Thunder Airlines Cessna 208B (C-FWVR/THU202) from Timmins, ON (CYTS) to Attawapiskat, ON (CYAT) departed Runway 03 at 1409Z requested special VFR (SVFR) to return to the field, and indicated a mechanical issue. Landed without incident, no impact to operations.

A Panorama Helicopters Ltd. Aerospatiale AS 350 B-2 (C-GSOX) from High Level, AB (CYOJ) to High Level, AB (CYOJ) was advised to standby for SVFR authorization. Aircraft mistakenly thought it had authorization and took off, flew mid field and landed in the North field immediately when advised. No impact on operations.

A Heli-Transport Bell 214ST (C-FHTS) from High Level, AB (CYOJ) to High Level, AB (CYOJ) departed the airfield southbound but was forced to return after travelling approximately 1 mile when the aircraft went receiver only (RONLY). Advised (ADZ) company of a Helicopter Transport Services Bell 2214ST (C-GHTN) from High Level, AB (CYOJ) to High Level, AB (CYOJ) traffic also departing southbound. No impact on operations.

Between 2230Z and 2309Z, a privately registered Robinson R22 Beta, on a flight to Ottawa/Gatineau, QC (CYND) entered the CYND control zone (CZ), landed and took-off from Runway 27 without being in contact with the Flight Service Station (FSS). The aircraft landed safely and was in contact with FSS at 2309Z. The pilot later mentioned having been disoriented by the fog and was on the wrong frequency. No impact on operations.

A 544211 BC Ltd. Navion from Delta/Delta Heritage Air Park, BC (CAK3) to Langley, BC (CYNJ) entered the CYNJ control zone from the west at 1000 feet while weather was below special VFR flight (SVFR) and the tower observed visibility to be 1/2 statute mile (SM). The pilot had been informed and instructed to remain clear of the zone. The pilot was instructed to exit the zone. No operational impact.

TSB #A18P0138: C-FAKN, a Beech 200 King Air aircraft operated by Alkan Air, was conducting a charter flight from Vancouver Intl, BC (CYVR) to Nanaimo, BC (CYCD) with two pilots on board. Just after the touchdown at CYCD, the flight crew observed smoke in the cabin of the aircraft. The smoke appeared to be originating from the left hand flap motor. The flight crew taxied to the apron and shut the aircraft down without further incident. Subsequent maintenance action revealed that the flap motor up limit switch was malfunctioning. No injuries were reported.

A Helijet International Inc. Sikorsky S-76A (C-FZAA/JBA858) from Victoria Harbour (Camel Point), BC (Heli) (CBF7) to Vancouver International, BC (CYVR) received a taxi departure clearance and was instructed to advise when ready to lift. The pilot acknowledged and stated that they would call when they were ready for lift. JBA858 subsequently departed without a takeoff clearance and without obtaining approval for SVFR.

The Peace River flight service station (FSS) observed a Western Aerial Applications Ltd. Hiller UH-12E (C-FBVZ) on a flight from Dawson Creek, BC (CYDQ) depart the CYDQ control zone without SVFR authorization when the visibility was 2 1/4 statute miles (SM). No advisory service was provided prior to departure. No impact on operations.

A Valhalla Helicopters Inc. Bell 206B (C-GPSX) from Quesnel, BC (CYQZ) to Quesnel, BC (CYQZ) entered CYQZ control zone after being denied special VFR flight (SVFR) due to inbound IFR aircraft, a Central Mountain Air Ltd. Beech 1900D (C-GGBY/GLR562) from Vancouver Int'l, BC (CYVR) to Quesnel, BC (CYQZ) that was on final Runway 31. C-GPSX was observed entering the control zone on NAV CANADA Auxiliary Radar Display System (NARDS) and confirmed verbally it was a 1/2 nautical mile inside the control zone.

A Partenair Holdings Ltd. Cessna 172F (C-FFDI) entered CYNJ control zone (CZ)without a clearance from the SE, trending NB at 1400ft. The aircraft eventually turned WB and came within 2 miles of the field. Several attempts were made to contact the aircraft. Coordination with CYXX ensued and aircraft finally called and was instructed to exit the CZ to the south (where the aircraft first entered). Weather was BLO VFR. Visibility: 1m -SHRA BR; Ceiling 004BKN, 015OVC.

At 0246Z, an Island Express Air Beech 100 (IAX602) from Kelowna, BC (CYLW) to Abbotsford, BC (CYXX) cancelled IFR with Victoria (YJ) Terminal 3 miles south of CYXX just outside the control zone (CZ). IAX602 called Tower 3 miles SSW of CYXX inside the zone at 1900' flying direct airport. Aircraft did not request SVFR initially. Weather at 0200Z was 020/05KT 2SM -RA BR SCT005 OVC020 01/01. IAX602 appeared to fly unusual headings and turns on descent in order to fly visually to the airport for landing Runway 07.

A privately registered Piper PA-30 from Muskoka, ON (CYQA) to destination unknown called at 1413Z when the weather was 3/4SM in mist, skies clear. The aircraft was told that the weather was below SVFR and that IFR authorization was required. The crew advised that they would be departing VFR. The aircraft departed VFR at 1415Z.

Two aircraft, a Timber Wolf Air Pilatus PC-12/45 (C-GBJV/AB1237) from Red Lake, ON (CYRL) to Pikangikum, ON (CYPM) and an Air Bravo Corp. Pilatus PC-12/45 (C-FXAB/AB1239) from Red Lake, ON (CYRL) to Pikangikum, ON (CYPM) departed without SVFR authorization.

Update TSB Report #A18F0296: C-GKEM, a Bombardier CL-600-2B19 CRJ200 aircraft operated by Air Georgian, was conducting flight GGN7335 from Toronto/Lester B. Pearson Intl (CYYZ), ON to Nashville Intl (KBNA), TN with 3 crew members and 46 passengers on board. During the approach at KBNA, the flight crew experienced a GEAR DISAGREE message as the nose landing gear indicated that it was not down and locked. The approach was interrupted, an emergency was declared, and the flight crew cycled the landing gear as per the QRH; however, it was unsuccessful. Subsequently, a manual release was executed, and a green indication was achieved. The flight crew performed a fly-past inspection by the control tower, and returned for a landing without further incident. ARFF followed the aircraft to the gate. The aircraft could not be flown back to CYYZ with the gear down due to known or forecasted icing conditions. Following an inspection by maintenance personnel, the aircraft was repositioned under MEL provision to Covington/Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Intl (KCVG), KY for repairs.

TSB Report #A18F0079: C-GMDQ, a privately operated Cirrus SR22 aircraft, was conducting a flight from Bedford County, PA (KHMZ) to Massena Intl/Richards Field, NY (KMSS) with one pilot and 2 passengers on board. While flying on an Instrument Flight Plan (IFR) at 9000 feet ASL in the vicinity of Lowville, NY, the pilot inadvertently allowed the aircraft to enter an unusual attitude and got spatially disoriented. As a precaution, the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) was deployed. While the aircraft descended with the parachute, the pilot shut the engine down and declared a Mayday. The aircraft landed vertically upright and all 3 occupants evacuated the aircraft with minor injuries. Subsequently, the wind dragged the aircraft and flipped it inverted, causing substantial damage.

TSB Report #A18C0100: C-GFOL, a Beech 200 aircraft operated by Kississing Lake Lodge Ltd., was conducting a special visual flight rules flight from Winnipeg/James Armstrong Richardson Intl (CYWG), MB to St. Andrews (CYAV), MB. There was no reported visible contamination on the aircraft prior to taxi or departure. During the climb, after taking off from Runway 36, the flaps were retracted and the aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions. As the aircraft climbed through approximately 2 000 feet ASL, the aircraft pitched up and entered an aerodynamic stall. The crew performed the stall recovery, during which both engines (Pratt and Whitney - Canada PT6A-41) were over-torqued. The flight crew elected to continue to CYAV.

Special VFR flight (SVFR) authorization for a Bighorn Helicopters Inc. Cessna 305A (C-FRAB) en route to High Level, AB (CYOJ) to enter the CYOJ control zone was cancelled due to the higher priority given to a Central Mountain Air Beech 1900D (C-FCMN/GLR768) from High Level, AB (CYOJ) to High Level, AB (CYOJ) returning with a generator issue. Once the C-FCMN had landed, C-FRAB was given a new SVFR authorization. No further impact on operations.

A Centennial Flight Centre Inc. Cessna 172N (C-GIYT) on a flight from Edmonton/Villeneuve, AB (CZVL) and landing at Edmonton/Villeneuve, AB (CZVL) was doing circuits on Runway 34. The weather deteriorated to SVFR. The pilot experienced difficulties finding the airport.
UPDATE: AOR-237684-V2: Narrative updated to include: "...The pilot experienced difficulties finding the airport. The tower controller issued suggestions, and the aircraft landed safely."

A privately registered Robinson R22 Beta was advised to contact Red Deer Radio on mandatory frequency (MF) after receiving ground advisory (GND ADV). The aircraft did not contact Red Deer Radio on MF prior to departure. No impact on operations as special VFR flight (SVFR) operations in effect.

An Air Georgian Limited Beech 1900D (C-GORC/GGN7214) from Lethbridge, AB (CYQL) to Calgary International, AB (CYYC) departed CYQL at 1629Z and subsequently advised they had a stuck flap (17 degrees) and were returning to CYQL. The aircraft landed at CYQL safely at 1642Z. The operational impact involved the delay of 1 aircraft on SVFR departure.

An L.R. Helicopters Robinson R44 II (C-GWVV) on a flight from Calgary/Springbank, AB (CYBW) and landing at Calgary/Springbank, AB (CYBW) entered the zone after being advised that special VFR flight (SVFR) is not approved and only IFR operations are permitted.

A North-Wright Airways Beech 1900D (NWL125) from Norman Wells, NT (CYVQ) to Tulita, NT (CZFN) departed CYVQ with SVFR authorization before daylight hours.

An Aerospatiale AS 350 BA (C-GDEH) operated by Heli/Express, flying from Sept-îles (CYZV), QC, and landing in Sept-îles (CYZV), QC, called at 5 NM northeast of the control zone. C-GDEH entered the control zone without SVFR authorization when visibility was 2 SM.

A Kopimist Church of Canada Cessna 172M (C-GHXT) on a flight from Langley, BC (CYNJ) and landing at Langley, BC (CYNJ) wanted to enter the CYNJ control zone (CZ) while the CZ was below SVFR (last recorded automatic terminal information service (ATIS) from 0140Z was 1/2FG VV001; the visibility dropped much lower with thicker fog). The aircraft was informed of the current weather and that it was below SVFR and asked the aircraft's intentions. The aircraft requested to make an attempt to the runway. The aircraft aborted its attempt to Runway 19, tried for Runway 01, and aborted the second approach. The aircraft requested a reroute to Pitt Meadows, BC (CYPK). The tower contacted CYPK to find out their updated weather. They were below SVFR as well. It was suggested that the pilot reroute to Abbotsford, BC (CYXX) as their weather was clear. The aircraft was transferred early to CYXX.

A privately registered Cessna 172I, on a flight from Quesnel, BC (CYQZ) and landing at Quesnel, BC (CYQZ) did not contact the flight service station (FSS) prior to entering the CYQZ control zone (CZ). When advised of IFR conditions in the zone, the flight did not exit the CZ or request IFR. Visibility improved after this and SVFR was authorized. No impact on operations.

A Summit Helicopters Ltd. Bell 206L-4 (C-GTHN) on a local flight from Terrace (CYXT), BC, requested special VFR flight (SVFR) for a northbound departure. The flight service station (FSS) coordinated SVFR authorization with the Vancouver area control centre (YVR ACC) and passed to the aircraft. A WestJet Encore de Havilland DHC-8-402 (C-FENY/WEN3106) from Terrace (CYXT), BC, to Vancouver (CYVR), BC, was taxiing Runway 15 for intersection departure. Traffic was passed to both aircraft. C-GTHN departed westbound contrary to the stated direction of flight and crossed Runway 15 as WEN3106 called on the roll. WEN3106 waited for the helicopter to clear the runway and departed with no impact to operations.

A Government of Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Aerospatiale AS350 B3 (C-GMPK) on a flight to Sudbury, ON (CYSB), made its initial call 4 miles SE. Weather was below VFR. Ceiling OVC003 2SM -DZ BR. SVFR was given to the aircraft and it landed without incident. No impact on operations.

A Diamond Flight Centre London Inc Diamond DA 20-C1 (C-GDFQ) from Sarnia, ON (CYZR) to London, ON (CYXU) reported 10 W inbound for landing and requested SVFR. The pilot was unable to see the ground but it was broken above. It was observed and informed to the pilot that the scattered cloud layer ended over the city (a short distance ahead). The pilot was not IFR rated but declined further assistance. Shortly thereafter, the pilot was VFR and landed without further incident.

An unidentified helicopter was spotted in the Inuvik, NT (CYEV) control zone during SVFR conditions, visibility (VIS) 21/2sm. Unable to establish contact. 1 other aircraft impacted, a Canadian Helicopters Aerospatiale AS 350 B-2 (C-GNZM) was departing.

An American corporately registered Bell 206L helicopter (N12EW) from Lacombe, AB (CEG3) to Lethbridge, AB (CYQL) first called air taxiing to fixed base operator (FBO) as they passed over apron. When queried as to point of departure, the answer was CEG3. They were on the wrong frequency. Special visual flight rules (SVFR) was not obtained to enter zone with VIS 11/2 VV019. No impact on operations but an Air Georgian Beech 1900D (GGN7211) had landed at 1640Z and exited the runway 2 minutes before the helicopter overflew the apron.

An Ascent Helicopters Bell 206L-1 (C-GHWC) entered the Cranbrook, BC (CYXC) control zone without a clearance. Weather was below SVFR (visibility 1/8sm). The aircraft landed at a private strip within the CYXC control zone.

A Wilderness Seaplanes Ltd. Grumman G-21A (C-GDDJ) going to Port Hardy, BC (Water) (CAW5) was VFR and inbound to Port Hardy, BC (CYZT) at 2230Z with weather below SVFR (Visibility 3/4 SM). C-GDDJ was denied entry into the control zone as the aircraft was unable IFR. The pilot advised that the aircraft would remain clear and land at CAW5. A Pacific Coastal Airlines SAAB 340B (C-FPCZ/PCO812) from Bella Bella, BC (CBBC) to CYZT was inbound on the instrument landing system (ILS) Runway 11 approach. At 2345Z, the Flight Service Specialist noticed on radar, a target 2 miles off the departure end of Runway 11 at 500 feet. After querying, C-GDDJ confirmed it was them. PCO812 was 6 miles final and the specialist requested C-GDDJ to exit the Mandatory Frequency area without delay and provided PCO812 as IFR traffic. C-GDDJ requested to circle south of Runway 11 and land Runway 34 after PCO812. The specialist re-iterated the requirement to exit the Mandatory Frequency area immediately. C-GDDJ exited to the south. PCO812 conducted a missed approach for Runway 11 due to weather at 2349Z, without conflicting with C-GDDJ.

A Summit Helicopters Bell 407 (C-GCVJ) on a local flight from Terrace, BC (CYXT) departed 3 NM north of CYXT without special VFR flight (SVFR) authorization and landed at the airport. Reported visibility 2 SM. No operational impact.

A Rockcliffe Flying Club Cessna 172S (C-GKSK) from Ottawa/ Rockcliffe, ON (CYRO) to Oshawa, ON (CYOO) entered into the controlled zone (CZ) under SVFR, 1 1/4 SN. The aircraft became disoriented, and was given very high frequency directional finder (VDF) headings to airport. Aircraft landed safely at 1958Z.

A privately registered Bearhawk from Geraldton, ON (CYGQ) to Dryden, ON (CYHD) was observed on radar entering CYHD control zone with special VFR flight (SVFR) authorization. No impact to operations.

A Forest Helicopters Aerospatiale AS 350 B-2 (C-GLAA) made the initial call 6 miles west as they were inbound to Kenora, ON (CYQK). The weather was below VFR minima. Multiple aircraft delayed their departure due to last minute traffic passing and requisition of special VFR flight (SVFR).

A Greater Toronto Airways Inc. Piper PA-34-200T (C-GGBJ), on special VFR flight (SVFR), lost sight of its approach path to Runway 26 and began flying toward a Thunder Airlines Limited Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 (C-GGDC/THU880), from Kingston (CYGK), ON, to Toronto/Billy Bishop (CYTZ), ON, inbound on Area Navigation (RNAV) A. THU880 was instructed to begin missed approach. C-GGBJ landed Runway 08. THU880 flew a 2nd RNAV A, missed due to weather, and landed off Instrument Landing System (ILS)/Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) Runway 08 approach.