Ground crew member fatally injured during helicopter external load operations
Expedition Helicopters Inc.
AS-350 BA Helicopter, C-FHAU
Wawa, Ontario
The occurrence
On 20 August 2023, an Expedition Helicopters AS-350 BA helicopter was conducting external load operations near Wawa, Ontario, in support of a mining operation.
The helicopter was positioning an external load attached by a long line onto a platform with the assistance of several ground crew members. During the positioning of the load, unbeknownst to the pilot, one of the ground crew members became entangled in the external load, and subsequently fell while the helicopter was being manoeuvred.
The ground crew member was fatally injured; there were no other injuries. The helicopter was not damaged. The TSB is investigating.
Investigation information
A23O0108
Ground crew member fatally injured during helicopter external load operations
Expedition Helicopters Inc.
AS-350 BA Helicopter, C-FHAU
Wawa, Ontario
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Class of investigation
This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.