Occurrence
On 31 May 2013, at approximately 0011 Eastern Daylight Time, a Sikorsky S-76A helicopter (registration C-GIMY, serial number 760055) departed from Runway 06 at the Moosonee Airport, Ontario. The flight, operating as Lifeflight 8, was conducted under visual flight rules to the Attawapiskat Airport, Ontario, approximately 119 nautical miles to the northwest. On board were 2 pilots and 2 paramedics.
As the helicopter climbed through 300 feet above ground toward a planned cruising altitude of 1000 feet above sea level, the pilot flying initiated a left-hand turn toward the destination. Twenty-three seconds later, the helicopter struck trees and then impacted the ground in an area of dense bush and swampy terrain. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and the ensuing post-crash fire.
Search and Rescue
The helicopter’s satellite tracking system transmitted a takeoff message and then became inactive. The search-and-rescue satellite system did not detect a signal from the emergency locator transmitter (ELT). At approximately 0543, a search-and-rescue aircraft located the crash site approximately 1 nautical mile northeast of Runway 06, and deployed search-and-rescue technicians. However, there were no survivors.
Safety Communication
On 15 June 2016, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada issued Recommendation A16-01, recommending that the Department of Transport require all Canadian-registered aircraft and foreign aircraft operating in Canada that require an ELT to be equipped with a 406 MHz ELT in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization Standards.