What happened
On a fisheries surveillance mission in Nova Scotia, a Bell 206L helicopter struck a power line while flying at a low altitude over the Margaree River. The aircraft, operated by the Canadian Coast Guard, was conducting a patrol for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) near the Cape Breton Highlands.
As the helicopter followed the river upstream, it made contact with a 3/8-inch diameter galvanized steel wire spanning the water. The impact rendered the aircraft uncontrollable, leading to a crash onto the ice-covered river surface. The pilot was fatally injured, while the three passengers—including two DFO officers and the pilot's daughter—sustained serious injuries. The collision also severed the power line, leaving approximately 100 local homes without electricity.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft, the site, and the operational procedures in place during the mission. The Bell 206L was found to be well-maintained and in compliance with all regulatory requirements. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or engine malfunction prior to the strike, and the weather conditions were reported as clear with good visibility.
Technical analysis of the power line revealed that the wire was greyish-white, making it difficult to distinguish from the snow and ice-covered terrain. Furthermore, the support poles were obscured by dense vegetation. The investigation also looked into the lack of standardized procedures for the joint surveillance mission between Transport Canada and the DFO.
Findings
- The pilot did not see the power line in time to take avoidance action.
- The pilot chose to fly at a low altitude over the river without first performing a reconnaissance flight to check for obstacles.
- There were no clearly defined standard operating procedures for conducting these specific fisheries surveillance flights.
- The power line was not marked with any aviation visibility aids.
- The helicopter was not equipped with a Wire Strike Protection System (WSPS), which likely would have prevented the severity of the crash.