What happened
A charter flight transporting scientific researchers was traveling from the sea ice near Lowther Island, Nunavut, toward Resolute. The crew, consisting of the pilot and two passengers, was conducting research on polar bear behavior. During the flight, which was being conducted under day visual flight rules, the pilot attempted to turn the Bell 206L LongRanged toward the destination at approximately 400 feet altitude.
During this maneuver, the pilot encountered whiteout conditions, which obscured all visual references to the terrain. In an attempt to regain visual contact with Lowther Island, the pilot initiated a left turn. During this turn, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, leading to a descent and collision with the ice surface. The impact caused the helicopter to disintegrate. Although the occupants were restrained, the force of the crash ejected them from the fuselage. The two passengers sustained two fatal injuries, while the pilot survived with serious injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the helicopter's drive and rotor systems were functioning normally at the time of impact, with no evidence of mechanical failure or airframe malfunction. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within approved limits, and maintenance records indicated the helicopter was properly certified.
The investigation also looked into the survival equipment and emergency systems. The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) activated automatically, but its effectiveness was limited because the antenna cable separated from the unit during the crash. Furthermore, the aircraft's survival kit was found to be extremely difficult to access due to multiple layers of heavy plastic and complex metal fasteners, which would have posed a significant challenge to an injured survivor in freezing temperatures.
Findings
- Whiteout conditions caused the pilot to lose visual reference to the surface, leading to a loss of aircraft control.
- The disintegration of the fuselage caused the seat belts and shoulder harnesses to fail.
- The design of the survival kit made it nearly impossible for an injured person to open the equipment in cold weather.
- The separation of the ELT antenna cable during the impact hindered the transmission of the emergency signal.