Gatineau, Quebec, March 20, 2006) – The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) will release, on March 21, 2006 its final report (A05P0262) into the accident involving a Far West Helicopters Bell 206 that rolled over into Devils Lake while attempting to land on October 26, 2005.The investigator in charge will be available to speak with the media on the day of the release.
Who: Bill Yearwood, Investigator-in-Charge
When: March 21, 2006, starting at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific standard time)
The Bell 206 helicopter, equipped with fixed float landing gear, was carrying out lake water sampling operations for Environment Canada. The pilot was landing the helicopter on lakes north of the Vancouver lower mainland area to collect the water samples with two Environment Canada employees. Following landings on eight different lakes, where the winds were light and variable, they attempted to land on Devils Lake, where the wind was calm. The water was quite glassy and was shaded from the sun by hills. When the helicopter struck the surface of the lake, it flipped onto its back. It remained afloat supported by the floats, but the cabin was submerged. The passenger from the back seat and the pilot were able to exit the wreckage, but the passenger seated in the left front seat was unconscious. The passenger who had escaped the wreckage rescued the front-seat passenger but she died about six days later from injuries received in the accident.
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