Incident Sikorsky S-76A C-GIMR,
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ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 161949
 
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Date:Friday 8 February 2008
Time:c. 22:02
Type:Silhouette image of generic S76 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different    
Sikorsky S-76A
Owner/operator:Canadian Helicopters
Registration: C-GIMR
MSN: 760079
Year of manufacture:1980
Fatalities:Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4
Aircraft damage: Destroyed
Location:Temagami, ON -   Canada
Phase: Approach
Nature:Ambulance
Departure airport:Sudbury, ON
Destination airport:Temagami Snake Lake helipad, ON
Investigating agency: TSB
Confidence Rating: Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities
Narrative:
The Sikorsky S-76A medivac helicopter (registration C-GIMR, serial number 760079), operated by Canadian Helicopters Limited, departed Sudbury for Temagami, Ontario, to meet a land ambulance. At approximately 2202 eastern standard time, while on final approach to the Temagami Snake Lake Helipad in night visual meteorological conditions, the helicopter crashed in the forested area at the edge of the lake. The helicopter came to rest on its left side and was substantially damaged. Three of the four occupants received serious injuries and were transported to hospital.

Findings as to Causes and Contributing Factors
1.The pilot flying (PF) was likely affected by visual spatial disorientation and perceived the approach height of the helicopter to be too high. While correcting for this misconception, the helicopter descended into trees 814 feet short of the helipad.
2.The pilots were likely distracted during the critical phase of the approach and did not identify that the helicopter had deviated from the intended approach profile and recommended descent rates.

Findings as to Risk
1.The right rear aft-facing paramedic seat lap belt attachment barrel nut was worn in the groove where the seat belt attaches, weakening the barrel nut's structural integrity, thereby increasing the risk of failure.
2.The helicopter crashed on its side, placing an abnormal side load on the right rear aft facing paramedic seat lap belt attachment barrel nut, thereby causing it to fail.

Accident investigation:
cover
  
Investigating agency: TSB
Report number: A08O0029
Status: Investigation completed
Duration: 1 year and 5 months
Download report: Final report

Sources:

http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2008/a08o0029/a08o0029.asp

History of this aircraft

Other occurrences involving this aircraft
9 December 1987 G-BHYB British International Helicopters 0 Fulmar Alpha Offshore Installation, Central North Sea min

Revision history:

Date/timeContributorUpdates
07-Nov-2013 14:09 TB Added
08-Sep-2014 20:33 Aerossurance Updated [Narrative]

Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description

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