What happened
On a mission to support Alberta Environment with weather station maintenance, a Eurocopter AS350 D helicopter, registration C-FBHX, crashed in the mountains near Blairmore, Alberta. The flight was transporting technicians and a media crew to service remote stations in the Crowsnest Pass area.
After successfully completing an initial landing at one site, the pilot attempted a second approach to the South Racehorse Creek station. During this approach, the aircraft encountered erratic airspeed indications and sudden atmospheric changes. At an altitude of approximately 50 to 100 feet above the trees, the aircraft experienced an updraft followed by a sudden downdraft.
In an attempt to abort the landing, the pilot turned away from the mountainside. During this maneuver, the aircraft's descent rate became uncontrollable. The helicopter settled into the trees and rolled onto its right side in deep snow. The crash resulted in two serious injuries and one minor injury.
The investigation
Investigators focused on two primary areas: the atmospheric conditions at the crash site and whether the engine had lost power during the aborted approach.
Examination of the Lycoming engine revealed no mechanical failures; subsequent testing at the manufacturer's facility showed the engine met all performance specifications for power output and response. Furthermore, the main rotor blades showed damage consistent with high power being applied at the moment of impact.
Meteorological data from surrounding airports indicated significant wind activity, with winds reaching up to 44 knots. Satellite imagery confirmed mountain wave activity, which can produce severe turbulence and subsidence on the lee side of terrain. The investigation established that while the engine remained functional, the main rotor speed (RPM) had dropped into the yellow arc, triggering the low rotor warning horn momentarily during the pilot's attempt to recover.
Findings
- The pilot attempted to land the Eurocopter AS350 D in wind conditions that likely exceeded the aircraft's performance capabilities.
- The aircraft encountered intense downdrafts or wind shear during the second approach to the landing site.
- The pilot was unable to maintain adequate control of the helicopter due to the severity of the atmospheric disturbances and the limited altitude available for recovery.