The Transportation Safety Board has released a report on a helicopter crash on a frozen lake in northern Labrador last May.
The chopper, operated by Manitoba-based Custom Helicopters, was en route to Nunavut when it crashed on a frozen lake 75 nautical miles north of the Goose Bay Airport on May 2.
(Transportation Safety Board of Canada)
The TSB found that the pilot encountered poor visibility that continued to worsen as snowfall intensified.
The pilot decided to attempt a precautionary landing due to poor weather, but misjudged the height above ground, crashing the helicopter onto the ice on Lewis Lake.
The helicopter landed on its roof with the tail snapping on impact. The pilot, who was the lone occupant, was hoisted to safety by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and treated for minor injuries.
On 2 May, JRCC Halifax tasked 103 #SAR Squadron Gander for a helicopter crash 97 nautical miles north of Goose Bay NL on a remote frozen lake. The pilot survived the crash with only minor injuries and was hoisted to safety. #RESCUE pic.twitter.com/mRDi7D77JQ
— Halifax JRCC CCCOS (@hfxjrcc) May 8, 2024
Officials found that weather was to blame for the crash and there was no indication of any issues with any of the aircraft systems.
However, it was discovered that the helicopter was more than 300 lbs overweight at takeoff from Goose Bay.
A link to the full report can be found online.
