What happened
On the afternoon of the occurrence, a Canadian Helicopters Limited AS-350D helicopter, registration C-GVHB, was performing air taxi duties to support a geological survey near Kingurutik Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador. The pilot had just picked up a team of geologists from a nearby rocky outcrop and was attempting to reposition them to a new landing site approximately 1.5 kilometres away along a ridge line.
The intended landing site was situated in a bowl-shaped depression on the west side of a ridge, at an elevation roughly 3ered 300 feet higher than the previous location. As the pilot was on short final for the landing, the aircraft's rate of descent suddenly increased. Despite the pilot applying power to arrest the descent, the helicopter could not be stabilized and struck the ground in a gully just to the left of the target touchdown point. The impact caused the aircraft to pivot and eventually rest on its right side. The pilot and two passengers managed to exit the aircraft and escaped with only minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sudden increase in descent rate and the environmental conditions at the time of the crash. Investigators examined the helicopter's technical logs, maintenance records, and the aircraft's configuration, finding that the AS-350D was properly maintained, within weight and balance limits, and functioning normally prior to the impact. The tail rotor and driveshaft showed evidence of torsional shearing from the collision.
Weather analysis revealed that while conditions were generally suitable for visual flight rules, winds in mountainous terrain are highly unpredictable. The investigation also looked into the pilot's flight profile, noting that the approach was flown directly into the center of the landing bowl without a prior reconnaissance pass. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the pilot's training, noting that while experienced, the pilot had not received specialized mountain flying training.
Findings
- The specific reason for the sudden increase in the helicopter's descent rate could not be definitively determined.
- The pilot did not perform a reconnaissance of the landing site to assess wind conditions or power availability before the approach.
- The landing site was likely located in an area of down-flowing air caused by the terrain.
- The pilot lacked specialized mountain flying training for the terrain being operated in.
- The prompt use of a satellite phone to notify company operations significantly aided the evacuation and survival of the occupants.