Helicopter collision and crash at Thistle Lake

2 fatalities • Thistle Lake, Canada • Takeoff (climb)

A helicopter crash involving a collision with a parked aircraft resulted in the deaths of both crew members during takeoff from Thistle Lake.

What happened

Following the delivery of supplies to personnel at a local mine, the crew initiated a departure from Thistle Lake. During the initial climb, while the aircraft had reached an altitude of approximately 10 feet, it experienced a right-hand bank. This maneuver caused the aircraft to make contact with the rotor blades of a stationary Bell 206 parked nearby.

Following the impact, the aircraft lost stability and crashed a short distance from the initial collision site. The impact triggered a post-crash fire that consumed the wreckage. There were two fatalities among the crew members involved in the accident.

Findings

  • The accident occurred during the takeoff phase of flight.
  • The primary sequence of events involved a collision with a parked rotor system during a low-altitude climb.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the rotor of a stationary Bell 206 during its initial climb from the landing site.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-06-21 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Thistle Lake, Canada?

A helicopter crash involving a collision with a parked aircraft resulted in the deaths of both crew members during takeoff from Thistle Lake.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-06-21 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-06-21 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration C-FWAB, operated by Ptarmigan Airways, at Thistle Lake, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the rotor of a stationary Bell 206 during its initial climb from the landing site.

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