History of Flight
The Bell 212 helicopter, registration C-FJUR, departed Slave Lake airport at 1323 Mountain Daylight Time for water bucketing operations near Lesser Slave Lake. During its 12th water pickup, while on short final approach, the helicopter abruptly descended forward to within several feet of the water surface, then climbed to about 100 feet, rolled rapidly to the right, and descended vertically into the lake. Municipal firefighters entered the water within minutes and removed the pilot, who succumbed to head injuries.
Aircraft Information
The Bell 212 is a twin-engine, single main-rotor helicopter. Records showed it was certified, equipped, and maintained per regulations with no known deficiencies. Weight and center of gravity were within limits, and fuel was sufficient. The helicopter was equipped with a Skytrac satellite tracking system that transmitted position reports every 2 minutes.
Meteorological Information
At the time, the Slave Lake Airport METAR reported winds 290°T at 6 knots, visibility 3 statute miles in smoke, few clouds at 7100 feet agl. Visibility in the fire area varied from 0.5 to 3 sm in smoke with calm wind and a glassy lake surface.
Water Bucketing Operations
The helicopter was configured for external loads with a 100-foot long line and a 350-imperial gallon water bucket. The belly hook could be released electrically or manually. The flight manual supplement directed pilots to arm the hook for takeoff and final approach and disarm it during cruise. Many pilots flew with the hook disarmed to avoid inadvertent release.
Pilot Competencies for Helicopter Wildfire Operations
Campbell Helicopters operated under a contract with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD). Although the contract predated new 2011 standards, the company applied those standards for pilot checks at the start of the 2011 season. The 2011 ASRD Pilots Handbook endorsed competencies from the Helicopter Association of Canada document.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The helicopter came to rest on its right side in Lesser Slave Lake at 55°22.154′N, 115°03.319′W, about 290 feet from the southern shore, oriented parallel to shore facing west. There was no post-crash fire. The ELT signal was not detected until after the wreckage was recovered.
Findings
The pilot likely overestimated altitude during final approach due to glassy water and lack of visual references, causing the water bucket to enter the water before the hover. The helicopter was pulled rearward and left, leading to loss of control. The belly hook was electrically disarmed, limiting jettison ability. The pilot was not wearing a flight helmet, which contributed to the severity of head injuries, given the lack of shoulder harness restraint.