What happened
On the afternoon of the accident, a Bell 206B helicopter, registered C-GRHM, was performing water-bucketing duties to support forest-fire suppression near Wabasca, Alberta. While attempting to collect water from a lake, the aircraft struck trees along a shoreline. The impact caused the helicopter to break up and land in an inverted position. The pilot, who was the only person on board, died from his injuries.
Prior to the flight, the pilot had sought treatment for allergy symptoms and had taken an antihistamine medication. During the mission, the pilot was using a longline to attach the water bucket, a method that requires specialized skills. The aircraft had recently been reconfigured for this task, a process that took significantly longer than standard industry timeframes.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found no evidence of mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions. The engine was found to have been producing high power at the moment of impact. The investigation focused on the pilot's medical state, his training, and the operational procedures of Remote Helicopters (NWT) Ltd.
Evidence showed the pilot had not been trained or authorized by his employer to perform water-bucketing or longline operations. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot had taken Reactine®, an antihistamine that studies suggest can cause drowsiness and impaired performance in aircrew. The wreckage patterns suggested the aircraft likely drifted into the trees while the pilot was focused on the complex task of filling the bucket.
Findings
- The pilot attempted a mission involving specialized water-bucketing techniques for which he lacked the necessary training and experience.
- The pilot was operating while suffering from significant allergy symptoms.
- The use of antihistamine medication likely impaired the pilot's alertness and situational awareness during a complex task.
- The operator lacked a functional system to prevent flight crews from attempting missions or using equipment outside of their authorized training.
Safety action
Following the accident, the operator implemented new internal and external audit processes to monitor pilot training. They also introduced a competency card system to track which aircraft types and specific operations each pilot is authorized to perform.