TSB calls for regulated helmet use following chopper crash
Posted Mar 15, 2012 12:34 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Investigators are calling for greater regulation into the use of helmets saying those pilots who go without are putting themselves at greater risk.
The recommendation comes following a crash last May in Lesser Slave Lake where the pilot, the only occupant aboard, was killed.
According to reports, he was flying on May 20, 2011, mid-afternoon battling forest fires in the region.
On approach to the lake, it’s believed the chopper came into low, the pilot possibly disoriented by a lack of depth perception from the glassy water, and crashed.
An electronic feature to drop the bucket and manoeuvre was also disarmed leaving the pilot without many options.
Investigators believe he overestimated the altitude while on final approach.
The pilot, whose name has not been released, passed away from head injuries sustained in the crash.
Helicopter Association of Canada Fed Jones says he respects the recommendations made by investigators but adds mandatory helmet isn’t necessary.
He tells 660News many times the headpieces can cause more harm than good, impairing a pilot’s ability to enter and exit the chopper quickly.
Jones adds the devices do however saves lives.
Their group has made a recommendation for it’s members to wear helmets in flights , but only when safety permits.
He adds helmet use should not be mandatory and that decision should be left to the cockpit before fling time.
