Deadlines and contractual obligations contributed to a helicopter crash that occurred northeast of Les Escoumins on the North Shore in May 2021, concluded a report from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).
A pilot from the Heli-Express company in Quebec was seriously injured at the time during work on a Hydro-Quebec line. The TSB analyzed the accident that occurred during the transportation of a metal walkway needed for insulator replacement work on a 315 kV line.
The metal part was suspended from a hook under a helicopter. During the flight, the gangway swayed and struck the tail of the aircraft. Hearing a noise, the pilot jettisoned his load, which made contact with the rotor before falling.
The pilot was unable to regain control of the aircraft, which hit the ground hard.
Pressures of time and efficiency were felt on this site, notes the TSB in its report.
Investigators conclude that it was to save time that the pilots decided to transport the gangway by attaching it directly to the hook of the aircraft rather than to the end of a 150-foot sling. The risks were not well understood by the pilots and the operations manager.
Two aviation safety advisers who have their helicopter pilot’s license were hired following the accident. The transport of light loads with strong wind resistance is also now prohibited. Trainings for vendors and drivers have been added.
By email, the Crown corporation added that the method of awarding contracts has been reviewed and that qualitative criteria have been added. Hydro-Québec also publicizes the right to stop work and to take a time out when there is doubt about maintaining the safety of an aerial operation.
Héli-Express did not respond to TVA Nouvelles’ request for an interview.
Events involving the transport of loads by helicopter on behalf of Hydro-Québec occur almost every year. Over a 7-year period, between 2015 and 2021, 18 events occurred but did not result in a crash. These are mainly losses of load in flight and contact between a sling and an electricity transmission line.