CT139 Jet Ranger (C-FTHL) – From the Investigator

This accident occurred during a training flight with a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Instructor Pilot (IP) and a Student Pilot (SP). The CT-139 Bell 206B Jet Ranger helicopter is used as the primary training platform for Phase III training at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (3 CFFTS).

The training flight departed from the airport ramp south of Hangar 4 and taxied in a 4-foot hover to Pad 1. During the taxi, the IP initiated a Taxi Practice Forced Landing (PFL) which started by rolling the throttle to idle. Upon completion of the simulated engine failure scenario, the throttle was increased to full power, and the SP flew the helicopter to a 4-foot hover. The IP initiated a second simulated emergency, this time a Hover PFL. Once the simulated emergency was secured the throttle was increased and the SP flew the helicopter into a hover (once again) to prepare for the departure. Within 10 seconds of successfully completing the take-off into the hover, a loud explosion was heard from the engine compartment. The helicopter immediately lost power which forced the crew to land on Pad 1. A fire occurred within the helicopter’s engine compartment which was subsequently extinguished by personnel from the Southport Fire Brigade.

The aircraft sustained serious damage, and there were no injuries.

The investigation is currently focused on technical issues; however, the potential contribution of human factors will continue to be investigated.