[durt]

A routine maintenance operation on a hydro line and transmission tower turned into a tragic disaster when a Hydro One helicopter crashed, resulting in the loss of all four lives on board. The incident occurred approximately 40 kilometers north of Belleville, Ontario.

The helicopter, identified as an Astar, was carrying a dedicated crew comprising one pilot and three crew members, all engaged in essential maintenance work. Their mission took them to a rural property, where they were tasked with servicing a hydro line and a transmission tower.

As the helicopter descended to a low altitude in preparation for landing at a nearby field, it tragically departed from controlled flight, ultimately crashing into a cluster of trees. The sudden and catastrophic crash claimed the lives of everyone on board, leaving the local community and Hydro One in mourning.

Preliminary investigations by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) shed light on the probable cause of the devastating crash. The TSB's preliminary findings, released on Thursday afternoon, suggest that an improperly secured external bag was a likely catalyst for the tragedy. This external bag, filled with tools and essential supplies, came loose during the flight and struck the helicopter's tail rotor, according to the TSB's investigator-in-charge.

The consequences of such an impact were severe. Any damage to a helicopter's tail rotor can result in "massive vibrations" that significantly impair the pilot's ability to control the aircraft, turning an already challenging situation into a perilous one.

Furthermore, the preliminary findings indicate that two of the three workers on board had unfastened seatbelts at the time of the crash. Tragically, all three passengers were ejected from the helicopter upon impact, exacerbating the severity of the incident.

[The Krokodil]

Damn!!

[William May]

If the tail rotor failed, the helicopter probably started spinning uncontrollably. I work with a guy who was in a Marine helicopter that was coming in for a landing. He was the crew chief, and was getting ready to jump out as the helicopter touched down, which was his normal procedure. He said JUST as he unhooked his safety lanyard, the tail rotor locked up, the helicopter spun, and it whipped him right out the open door. He landed in the grass off to the side. The helicopter climbed about 12 feet, then smashed down on the ground, and exploded. Everyone else was killed. He had some back injuries, and was the only survivor. Everyone else was incinerated.
Just 1 SECOND earlier, and he would have died with his crew. I guess death's finger bounced over him.

[durt]

"If the tail rotor failed, the helicopter probably started spinning uncontrollably."

I expect that's exactly what happened! And spinning fast enough to spit the 3 guys out, unfortunately high enough that they were killed in the fall.
Pics of the separated and damaged tail rotor.

[GiJoe7898]

if your life depends on a helo, be considerate and get 100's of k's of life insurance for your family.

[Coreym07]

I'm curious how the bag managed to hit the tail rotor

[LERK]

Originally Posted by Coreym07 ↗

I'm curious how the bag managed to hit the tail rotor

Negligence.

[murofhsirgo]

Originally Posted by Coreym07 ↗

I'm curious how the bag managed to hit the tail rotor

Hard bank in a turn or climb.. hot dogging?

[horsecs]

Originally Posted by Coreym07 ↗

I'm curious how the bag managed to hit the tail rotor

Suction from the rotor, maybe.

[durt]

Originally Posted by Coreym07 ↗

I'm curious how the bag managed to hit the tail rotor

Wasn't secured properly, blew off.