Features Procedures Safety & Training
Helicopter crash prompts maintenance checks

Dec. 16, 2011, Vancouver – A bearing failure in the engine of a
helicopter that crashed in the B.C. Interior last year has triggered a
maintenance alert for some helicopters.

The pilot of the Bell 407 helicopter was flying five skiers and their guide south of Blue River, in the North Thompson, when the aircraft went down.

Those on board heard a bang and seconds later the helicopter made a hard landing on the snow-covered ground.

The pilot and guide, who were both sitting in the front, had back injuries, but no one else was hurt.

A Transportation Safety Board investigation determined that an engine bearing failure caused the crash and the engine's manufacturer, Rolls-Royce, found that the bearings might be susceptible to damage during certain conditions.

Rolls-Royce has since issued a bulletin requiring helicopter owners to replace that make of bearing with a part that incorporates several design changes to solve the problem.