What happened
During a contract mission for SOPFEU, a Bell 212 helicopter, registration C-FXDS, experienced a sequence of engine failures that led to a violent impact. While performing water-bombing duties, the pilot noted a fuel low warning light on the right engine. Attempting to reach a refueling base at Liberal Camp, the pilot continued the flight despite the indication. Approximately twelve minutes later, the right engine ceased operation. As the pilot attempted to find a suitable landing site in a sand pit, the left engine failed just forty-four seconds later while the aircraft was roughly 30 and 300 feet above the ground.
The pilot initiated an autorotation, but the sudden loss of power and the release of a Bambi bucket contributed to a continuous drop in rotor speed. The helicopter struck a flat area near the Mistassini River, bounced, and came to rest on its side. The impact resulted in two serious injuries, with the pilot being ejected from the cockpit.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the fuel management practices and the pilot's decision-making process. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the fuel system was properly calibrated and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training history, noting that while qualified, he had limited recent experience with this specific aircraft type and had primarily flown much lighter, single-engine helicopters.
Technical analysis of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) revealed that the device's G-switch did not stop the recording upon impact because it was mounted horizontally, making it less sensitive to the vertical forces of the crash. Furthermore, investigators found that position-reporting procedures were not strictly followed during the flight, which delayed the commencement of the search operations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failures was fuel exhaustion resulting from poor fuel management.
- The pilot made a questionable decision to continue toward a distant destination after the initial low-fuel warning rather than landing immediately at the fire site.
- A lack of recent training and limited experience with the Bell 212 likely degraded the pilot's technical knowledge and fuel monitoring capabilities.
- The pilot's focus on water-bombing tasks led to a loss of situational awareness regarding remaining flight time and fuel quantity.