What happened
On the morning of the occurrence, an MD Helicopters 369D helicopter, registration C-FLDW, departed Terrace, British Columbia, bound for Sandspit. The pilot intended to fly along the Skeena River to conduct shake-block operations in the Queen Charlotte Islands. After the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination as scheduled, a search was launched by the Department of National Defence.
Search teams eventually located debris on the shores of Porcher Inlet, approximately 22 nautical miles south of Prince Rupert. The wreckage, which included the engine and main rotor components, was found in water exceeding 500 feet in depth. Despite extensive searches of the surface and surrounding land, the pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not located. The wreckage was later recovered for a detailed examination.
The investigation
Investigators determined that the pilot deviated from the original flight plan at an unknown point between the mouth of the Skeena River and the Bonilla Island light station. Instead of proceeding to Sandspit, the aircraft flew northwest toward Kitkatla and then north through Porcher Inlet. This new route took the aircraft through an area characterized by low cloud ceilings and sheltered waters.
Examination of the recovered wreckage revealed that the aircraft was powered at the time of impact, with drive shafts showing evidence of torsional overload. The damage to the cockpit and skid gear suggested the helicopter struck the water at high speed in a nose-low, left-bank attitude. Investigators also found that the transponder panel had experienced an over-voltage event that melted plastic components and fused the power switch. Additionally, there were indications that a tail-rotor chip light may have been illuminated during the flight.
Findings
- The pilot most likely inadvertently flew into the water because glassy water and low cloud cover made it impossible to accurately judge the aircraft's altitude.
- The accident is classified as a controlled-flight-into-terrain event.
- The pilot may have been distracted by the malfunctioning transponder or the illumination of a tail-rotor chip light.
- Environmental conditions, including calm winds and sheltered terrain, likely created a glassy water effect, which removes the visual cues necessary for maintaining height over water.