Collision with wires : Héli-Boréal inc., Eurocopter AS 350 BA (Helicopter), C-FHPC, Sept-Îles, Quebec, 35 nm N, 13 May 2014.: TU3-5/14-0060E-PDF

"On 13 May 2014, the Héli-Boréal inc. Eurocopter AS 350 BA helicopter (registration C-FHPC, serial number 2395) was on a flight to inspect power-line vegetation encroachment with a pilot and an observer on board. The flight surveyed a 25-kilovolt power distribution line,which ran adjacent to a service road leading to Hydro-Québec’s Sainte-Marguerite power dam. While completing a right turn in a valley, the pilot noticed a 315-kilovolt power transmission line crossing perpendicular to the direction of flight. The right turn was increased to avoid the transmission line, but one of the helicopter’s main rotor blades struck the lower wire. The resulting damage to the rotor blade caused severe vibrations, which made it difficult to control the helicopter. While on approach to land in a small clearing under the 315-kilovolt transmission line, the helicopter’s skid gear contacted trees. The helicopter rolled to the left and fell approximately 50 feet through the trees, coming to rest on its left side in the snow. Both occupants sustained serious injuries, yet were able to exit the aircraft. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The 406-megahertz emergency locator transmitter activated on impact. The Cospas-Sarsat International Satellite System for Search and Rescue did not receive a signal until 25 minutes after the accident. There was no post-impact fire. The accident occurred in daylight hours at 1020 Eastern Daylight Time"--Summary.

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Publication information
Department/Agency Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
Title Collision with wires : Héli-Boréal inc., Eurocopter AS 350 BA (Helicopter), C-FHPC, Sept-Îles, Quebec, 35 nm N, 13 May 2014.
Series title Aviation investigation report ; A14Q0060
Publication type Series - View Master Record
Language [English]
Other language editions [French]
Format Electronic
Electronic document
Note(s) Issued also in French under title: Collision avec un fil d’une ligne de transport d’électricité : Héli-Boréal inc., Eurocopter AS 350 BA (hélicoptère), C-FHPC, 35 nm N de Sept-Îles (Québec), 13 mai 2014.
Publishing information [Gatineau, QC] : Transportation Safety Board of Canada, 2016.
Description 23 p. : figures, photos.
Catalogue number
  • TU3-5/14-0060E-PDF
Subject terms Aircraft accidents
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