What happened
On a flight mission to document instrument readings at various natural gas well sites, a Valley B Aviation Robinson R2ly Beta helicopter, registration C-FVBG, crashed near Manning, Alberta. The pilot was conducting a round-robin flight to visit several locations, including the "Buick" gas compression plant and well site 11-6. At approximately 1525 mountain daylight time, an emergency locator transmitter signal was detected 20 nautical miles west of Manning.
Search efforts located the wreckage 90 minutes later. The aircraft had struck the ground on the perimeter of a well site, causing substantial damage to the helicopter and resulting in one fatality. The pilot sustained fatal injuries during the impact.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage at the crash site and at specialized facilities in Edmonton and Ottawa. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the Robinson R22 Beta, the weather conditions, and the pilot's actions. While the weather in the area was reported as having mid-to-high-level clouds and no significant wind, there was no evidence of snow or rain at the wreckage site that could have contributed to the crash.
Technical analysis of the engine and components revealed no mechanical defects that directly caused the accident. However, the investigation identified that the alternator was not producing power to the electrical system because the brushes were worn well beyond service limits. This failure meant the aircraft was operating without power from the alternator at the time of the crash.
Physical evidence at the scene showed the aircraft had struck trees, and the tail boom had been struck by the main rotor blades. The wreckage pattern suggested the rotor was at a low speed during the final moments of the flight. Additionally, investigators found that the pilot's seat belt latch was not properly attached to the male portion of the harness at the time of impact.
Findings
- Low rotor speed and erratic blade movement led to two strikes on the tail boom, causing the helicopter to break up.
- The specific reason for the loss of rotor speed could not be determined.
- The alternator was not providing electrical power due to extreme brush wear.
- The pilot was not wearing the provided lap-belt/shoulder harness during the accident.