ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 342928
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| Date: | Tuesday 2 August 2005 |
| Time: | |
| Type: |  Hughes 369D |
| Owner/operator: | Quantum Helicopters |
| Registration: | C-GWPQ |
| MSN: | 70-0755D |
| Year of manufacture: | 1980 |
| Engine model: | Allison 250-C20B |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | 35 nm NNW of Terrace, BC 5412.19/12900.29 -
 Canada
|
| Phase: | Landing |
| Nature: | |
| Departure airport: | Terrace Airport, British Columbia |
| Investigating agency: | TSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The Hughes 369D helicopter departed the Terrace Airport, British Columbia, at 1559 Pacific daylight time, to retrieve a
geological survey crew from a mountain 35 nautical miles northwest of the Terrace Airport. The pickup point was on a 25-degree slope within a bowl-like feature commonly referred to as a cirque. The steepness of the slope required the pilot of the skid-equipped helicopter to conduct a toe-in procedure at the pickup site. During the attempt, there was a loud bang, and the helicopter dropped tail-low. The helicopter subsequently began an uncontrolled right turn and struck the terrain 30 yards downhill from the pickup point.
The fuel cell compartments ruptured from impact forces, and a fire ensued. The geological survey crew assisted the pilot from the burning helicopter and performed emergency first aid until the air ambulance arrived at 1840. The pilot, the sole occupant of the helicopter, was seriously injured. There were no injuries to persons on the ground. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and the intense post-crash fire.
Findings as to Causes and Contributing Factors
1. The reason for the tail drop and corresponding tail rotor strike could not be determined.
2. Once the tail rotor contacted the ground, the tail rotor drive shaft sheared and the helicopter began to yaw rapidly clockwise. Control of the helicopter was lost and, given the terrain, a successful emergency landing was not possible.
3. The fuel tank ruptured during the crash sequence, spraying the cockpit area with fuel. This resulted in an intense post-crash fire severely injuring the pilot and destroying physical evidence.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
CADORS 2005P1537
History of this aircraft
Other occurrences involving this aircraft
| 11 June 2004 | C-GWPQ | Quantum Helicopters | 0 | Bobquin Airstrip, British Columbia | |
sub |
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 25-Oct-2023 14:46 | harro | Updated |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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