Safety concerns raised after aerial emergency turns deadly
A recent report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has concluded that an engine failure due to a manufacturing defect led to the fatal crash of a firefighting helicopter in Alberta on July 19, 2023. The accident resulted in the death of the pilot after the aircraft lost power and collided with the terrain.
The incident involved a Bell 205A-1 helicopter operated by Valhalla Helicopters Inc. The aircraft was conducting firefighting operations near Peace River when it suffered an engine failure shortly after takeoff.
During the emergency descent, the helicopter’s external water bucket became entangled in trees, increasing the rate of descent and leading to the crash. There was no fire after the crash. The pilot initially survived the impact and managed to exit the helicopter but later succumbed to his injuries.
Findings and causes
The TSB investigation identified a defect in a brazed joint within the engine’s air diffuser as the primary cause of the failure. Over time, the defect caused progressive weakening of the joint, leading to a loss of engine power during the flight.
The report also noted that the helicopter’s external load—a water bucket used for firefighting—became trapped in trees as the aircraft descended. This further contributed to the crash by affecting the helicopter’s stability and increasing its rate of descent.
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Safety concerns identified
The TSB report raised concerns about emergency procedures for external load operations. It noted that the electric cargo release system was switched off at the time of the accident, a practice common among pilots to avoid accidental release of loads. This, however, made it more difficult for the pilot to quickly drop the bucket during the emergency.
Additionally, the report found that Canadian Aviation Regulations do not require specific emergency training for pilots carrying external loads, increasing the risk of improper responses during emergencies. The TSB emphasized that without practicing emergency procedures, pilots may struggle to execute them effectively in real situations.
Company response and recommendations
Following the crash, Valhalla Helicopters Inc. issued a company-wide reminder to ensure that pilots keep the electric cargo release system armed and test both the manual and electric release mechanisms before each flight.
The TSB recommended that improvements be made to emergency training regulations for pilots conducting external load operations. It also highlighted the risks associated with using similar aircraft with different cargo release procedures, which could lead to confusion during emergencies.
