On June 26, 2013, a Robinson R44 II (registration C-GHZN, serial number 12252) operated by Horizon Helicopters Ltd. departed Whitehorse, Yukon, at 0853 Pacific Daylight Time for a wildlife survey flight. The purpose was to transport two Yukon government surveyors to bear-bait sites near Carcross.
History of the Flight
The helicopter visited multiple sites, refueled at 1148 and later at Carcross at 1442. Due to high winds, some sites were skipped. The final leg began at 1501 from Carcross, following the north shore of Tagish Lake to a site east of Carcross. The last GPS target was recorded at 1507.
Accident Details
At approximately 1513, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre received a 406 MHz ELT signal from the aircraft. A company helicopter with emergency medical services personnel was dispatched. Wreckage was found about 5 nautical miles east of Carcross on Nares Mountain. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, one passenger was seriously injured, and another received minor injuries. Passengers were treated and flown back to Whitehorse. There was no post-impact fire.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The investigation found no aircraft system malfunction. The pilot did not carry out a reconnaissance pass before attempting to land, contrary to industry standards and his mountain flying training. This left him unaware of the intensity of down-flowing air near the intended landing area.
Downdrafts on the lee side of the ridgeline likely required more engine power than available. Increasing rotor pitch to maintain altitude led to a loss of rotor rpm, and the engine could not overcome the low rotor speed. The power required exceeded the power available.
The pilot was not wearing a flight helmet, which contributed to the severity of his head injuries. There is no regulatory requirement for helicopter pilots to wear helmets.
Safety Action Taken
The operator has implemented a safety policy requiring all pilots to wear flight helmets during flight operations.