CH146477 Griffon - Epilogue

Report / February 26, 2020 / Project number: CH146477 - B Category

Location: Cold Lake, AB
Date: 13 December 2018
Status: Investigation Completed

The crew of the CH146 Griffon was tasked to transport a replacement generator into a repeater antenna site within the 4 Wing Cold Lake Air Weapons Range.

The crew disembarked a team of five technicians at the repeater antenna site and then proceeded to pick up the replacement generator at a location approximately seven nautical miles away. The generator, contained within a netted pallet, was transported to the repeater antenna site via slung load with the use of an approximately 80 foot sling.

The generator was temporarily put on the ground so that personnel on the ground could attach two guidelines to help move the load (generator) to its final location. The helicopter then lifted the load with the intention of moving it to the base of the tower.

As the helicopter was manoeuvred into position to deliver the load, the main rotor blades made contact with the obstruction lights and support bracket at the top of the 96 foot tower. After the impact the crew conducted an emergency landing in the field adjacent to the tower. The helicopter’s four main rotor blades were seriously damaged. There were no injuries to the crew nor the personnel on the ground.

The investigation determined that there were no technical issues with the helicopter and focussed on human and organizational factors. The preventative measures recommend changes to standard operating procedures and Royal Canadian Air Force Flight Operations Manual, including the modification of flight training profiles and the clarification of flight rules and regulations that govern Combat Support Squadron and Search and Rescue safe training practices.