What happened
On 22 October 2015, a Hughes 369D helicopter, registered as C-FOHE, was performing aerial work on power lines near Paynton, Saskatchewan. The aircraft, operated by Oceanview Helicopters Ltd., was carrying a pilot and an external platform worker. While the helicopter was hovering at an altitude of roughly 325 feet above the ground to install a marker ball, the engine failed. This loss of power caused the aircraft to descend rapidly, resulting in a collision with the terrain. The impact was followed by a fire that destroyed the helicopter. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent impact. The investigation noted that although the emergency locator transmitter was activated upon impact, the post-impact fire destroyed the device. The focus of the inquiry centered on the mechanical failure that occurred during the low-altitude hover operation.