Deadlines and contractual obligations contributed to a helicopter crash that occurred northeast of Les Escoumins on the North Shore in May 2021, a Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) report concluded.
A pilot from the Heli-Express company in Quebec was seriously injured while working on a Hydro-Quebec line. The TSB analyzed the accident that occurred while transporting a metal walkway needed for insulator replacement work on a 315 kV line.
The metal part was hung on a hook under a helicopter. During the flight, the gangway swayed and hit the tail of the aircraft. Hearing a noise, the pilot ejected his charge, which touched the rotor before falling.
The pilot failed to regain control of the plane, which hit the ground hard.
The TSB states in its report that time and efficiency pressure were felt on this construction site.
Investigators conclude that the pilots decided to transport the gangway to save time by attaching it directly to the plane’s hook rather than at the end of a 150-foot sling. The risks were not well understood by the pilots and operations manager.
After the accident, two flight safety consultants with a helicopter pilot’s license were hired. The transport of light loads with high wind resistance is now also prohibited. Added training for sellers and drivers.
Via email, Crown Corporation added that the way the contract was awarded had been reviewed and qualitative criteria added. Hydro-Québec also announces the right to stop work and take time off if there is any doubt about maintaining the safety of an operation.
Héli-Express did not respond to TVA Nouvelles’ interview request.
Helicopter transport events are held almost every year on behalf of Hydro-Québec. Over a 7 year period, between 2015 and 2021, 18 events occurred but did not result in a crash. These are mainly in-flight load losses and contact between a sling and a power transmission line.