Helicopter Crash in Saskatchewan: Pilot Fixation and Water Illusion

Incident Overview and Context On the morning of the accident, a McDonnell Douglas Hughes 369E helicopter, registration C-FHMF, was transporting two line-cutters from a base camp near Davy Lake, Saskatchewan, to their work site. The pilot was flying at altitudes between 300 and 500 feet above ground level near a small, unnamed lake when a caribou was spotted swimming across the water. The pilot turned and descended toward the animal, subsequently striking the lake at approximately 100 knots at 0830 central standard time. The helicopter sank shortly after impact, but all three occupants managed to exit the submerged wreckage. The pilot and one passenger, both seriously injured, swam to shore. After removing their work clothing, they attempted to rescue the second passenger, who was struggling in the water, but the effort was unsuccessful, and the passenger drowned. The two survivors were rescued later that afternoon.