Summary
On 31 May 2013, at approximately 0011 Eastern Daylight Time, the Sikorsky S-76A helicopter (registration C-GIMY, serial number 760055), operated as Lifeflight 8, departed at night from Runway 06 at the Moosonee Airport, Ontario, on a visual flight rules flight to the Attawapiskat Airport, Ontario, with 2 pilots and 2 paramedics on board. As the helicopter climbed through 300 feet above the ground toward its planned cruising altitude of 1000 feet above sea level, the pilot flying commenced a left-hand turn toward the Attawapiskat Airport, approximately 119 nautical miles to the northwest of the Moosonee Airport. Twenty-three seconds later, the helicopter impacted trees and then struck the ground in an area of dense bush and swampy terrain. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and the ensuing post-crash fire. The helicopter’s satellite tracking system reported a takeoff message and then went inactive. The search-and-rescue satellite system did not detect a signal from the emergency locator transmitter. At approximately 0543, a search-and-rescue aircraft located the crash site approximately 1 nautical mile northeast of Runway 06, and deployed search-and-rescue technicians. However, there were no survivors.
Transportation Safety Board of Canada Recommendation A16-11
“The Department of Transport establish pilot proficiency check standards that distinguish between, and assess the competencies required to perform, the differing operational duties and responsibilities of pilot-in-command versus second-in-command.”
Transport Canada Response to Recommendation A16-11
Transport Canada agrees with the recommendation. In fact, independent of the tragic accident, TC conducted a thorough review of the Approved Check Pilot (ACP) Manual this past year and is planning to publish a revision before spring 2017.
The 10th edition of the ACP Manual will have a consolidated and strengthened set of guidance on non-technical skills to be assessed. Under the 4-Point Marking Scale Leadership and Managerial Skills will be added as one of four non-technical (CRM) skills. The sub elements of this skill assessment are as follows:
- Use of authority and assertiveness;
- Providing and maintaining standards;
- Planning and coordination; and
- Workload management.
A draft copy of the manual will be provided to the TSB in the fall 2016.