How Can This Happen?

[N1]

Mystery mechanic behind chopper crash, report says

Last Updated Mon, 01 Nov 2004 19:50:34 EST

HALIFAX - A badly tuned engine is the likely cause of last year's Sea King helicopter crash, but records showing who was responsible have mysteriously disappeared.

That's the conclusion of a report released Monday by the Directorate of Flight Safety, the air force agency that investigates aircraft accidents.

 

The report says mechanics incorrectly adjusted one of the Sea King's two engines, but it's not known who.

 

The crash happened in February of last year.

 

The aging helicopter lifted off the deck of HMCS Iroquois shortly after it set out for the Persian Gulf to take part in the U.S.-led war on terrorism.

 

Just after takeoff, the chopper crashed back onto the deck of the destroyer and rolled on its side.

 

Two of the Sea King's four crew members were slightly injured.

[Phil Croucher]

The military seem to lose a lot of records, don't they?

 

Not flown a 61 - would it really make that much difference?

 

Phil

[CD]

Here is the link to the full report:

 

SYNOPSIS

 

The occurrence crew intended to conduct a deck-landing and C-6 gun training mission, flying from HMCS IROQUOIS. During the start sequence, IROQUOIS conducted a Replenishment At Sea (RAS) with HMCS PRESERVER. After approximately 45 minutes since first starting, and once the RAS was completed, the helicopter took off from the IROQUOIS’ flight deck. The aircraft rose to the high hover position and then, after moving slightly aft over the flight deck, it sufferred a loss of lift, descended, contacted the flight deck heavily, and rolled over on its right side. The aircrew secured the engines and egressed from the aircraft. IROQUOIS came to Emergency Flying Stations and commenced damage control procedures, including control of aircraft fuel leaking on to the flight deck and into some of the ship’s compartments. The aircraft wreckage was secured to the flight deck for transit back to Halifax. Two aircrew and one ground crew member received minor injuries.

 

CF Flight Safety Investigation Report - CH124A Sea King - 1010-12401 (DFS 2-4-2)