What happened
On a day engaged in forest fire suppression, an Elbow River Helicopters Limited Bell 2D helicopter, registration C-GTKE, was performing water bucket pickups in the Fraser River, approximately 20 nautical miles south of Lillooet, British Columbia. While approaching a specific section of the river to collect water, the aircraft experienced an unexpected descent. During this maneuver, the 300-gallon water bucket, suspended from a 150-foot longline, struck the fast-moving river surface.
As the aircraft continued its forward path, the bucket remained in the water, effectively anchoring the helicopter. This caused the aircraft to pitch forward and yaw left, leading to a collision with the river surface. The impact caused the helicopter to break apart and sink. Although the pilot managed to exit the wreckage and swim in the current, rescue efforts by nearby aircraft were unsuccessful. The pilot's body was recovered five days later; a post-mortem determined the cause of death was drowning.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aerodynamic conditions, operational procedures, and the sequence of the crash. Investigators examined the aircraft's configuration, noting it was set up for a single pilot to monitor external loads from the left front seat. The belly hook, used to carry the bucket, was capable of both electrical and manual release, though the electrical release requires the pilot to manually arm the switch.
Environmental factors were also scrutinized, specifically the complex wind patterns within the canyon. The investigation looked into the pilot's flight profile, including the approach speed, power settings, and the impact of sudden wind shifts. Additionally, the investigation reviewed the pilot's training, the aircraft's maintenance records, and the safety equipment being worn at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The helicopter likely entered a vortex ring state (VRS) due to a steep approach conducted at low speed with power applied, likely exacerbated by an undetected tailwind caused by a sudden 180-degree wind shift in the canyon.
- The water bucket entered the river during the pilot's attempt to recover from the descent, acting as an anchor that induced the fatal nose-down pitch.
- The belly hook was likely operating in a disarmed state, which prevented the pilot from electrically jettisoning the load during the emergency.
- The pilot was not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), which contributed to the fatal outcome despite his ability to escape the wreckage.
- The manual release mechanism for the external load requires the pilot to remove a foot from the anti-torque pedals, creating a risk of losing directional control during critical flight phases.
- Rapidly changing wind directions in deep canyon environments can create significant risks for pilots performing low-level maneuvers.
Safety action
Following the accident, the operator implemented new policies requiring all pilots to fly with the belly hook in the armed position and to wear personal flotation devices during all water bucketing operations.