RCMP helicopter crash near Cultus Lake

[visual approach]

http://www.theprovince.com/news/RCMP+he ... story.html

[cncpc]

Very, very sad.

[cncpc]

CBC says pilot had a heart attack prior to accident.

[ruddersup?]

Anyone know the pilots name?

[bigsky]

Condolences.
Picture in this link
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-69845--.htm

[Cat Driver]

Looking at that picture the rotor blades tell part of the story.

Some news media have said he was long lining and had an engine failure, the condition of the blades appear to support that scenario.

[r22captain]

god speed my friend....you will be missed....

[R985]

RIP D.B. Our thoughts are with you, your family and friends.

[CpnCrunch]

The news story says he was returning to base after the exercise, so I don't think he was long lining.

The first thing that jumps to mind is CFIT in whiteout conditions.

[old_man]

Looking at that picture the rotor blades tell part of the story.

I'll bite, what am I missing .?

[AirFrame]

Looking at that picture the rotor blades tell part of the story.

I'll bite, what am I missing .?

I was wondering that too. It looks like the shaft is broken towards the front of the helicopter, suggesting that either the cowling around it has been pushed up and back, or the engine has fallen down and forward. The blades appear to all be intact though. I haven't seen a lot of helicopter wrecks, but from the number of fixed wing accidents i've seen those blades look like they either weren't turning or weren't powered at the time of impact... Which seems odd? I thought usually what would happen is one blade hitting first, breaking off, and the others all coming around until they hit the same spot.

Putting it all together, i'd have to guess unexpected power loss, followed by a high energy impact with the ground in a mostly level attitude.

[DHQ]

The news story says he was returning to base after the exercise, so I don't think he was long lining.

The first thing that jumps to mind is CFIT in whiteout conditions.

Not CFIT according to those rotor blades.

Sorry to hear about this.

[helione]

the engine probably stayed in place more or less, the transmission came forward when the support pylons broke but even at that it didn`t go far in any direction, no leading edge damage at all on the blades so it appears they weren't turning too fast on touchdown

[AirFrame]

the engine probably stayed in place more or less, the transmission came forward when the support pylons broke but even at that it didn`t go far in any direction, no leading edge damage at all on the blades so it appears they weren't turning too fast on touchdown

Is it possible for the transmission to sieze, or to start binding up? Could that happen due to cold, or ice? I'm not a heli pilot so I don't know much about the drivetrain of a heli...

[old_man]

Is it possible for the transmission to sieze, or to start binding up?

Yes, it is possible. Remember that S-92 that went down off NFLD? The result of a seized transmission would be similar in nature to me removing both of your wings while in flight. You just fall without any control or glide.

[godsrcrazy]

It does look like a Engine failure as the blades are pretty much intact. If it was a transmission failure the Helicopter would be one crumbled piece of medal. When them blades stop turning it is a falling rock. Looks like an autorotation that ended up bad. Just my 2 cents

[flingwinger]

Sincere condolences to the friends, family, co-workers and the industry for the loss of such an exceptional pilot and person.


It is highly unlikely it was a MGB failure, the S-92 you refer to lost MGB oil pressure, and didn't last the 30 minutes run dry requirement it was supposed to.

It is most definitely not CFIT

Looks like - and reports lead to an engine failure on takeoff, and subsequent hard landing. Pilot side windshield is smashed meaning the seat probably came off on impact which the older fiberglass Astar seats are notorious for.

A very sad day....

[bigsky]

From the CADORS

http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/c ... pe=0&narr=

"UPDATE from TSB: A12P0008: The Eurocopter AS350-B3 helicopter (C-FMPG) took off from a landing site with only the pilot onboard. The helicopter hovered briefly at about 50 feet agl when a sudden noise and puff of smoke occurred. The helicopter descended, turned, and crashed on the ground below; the pilot was fatally injured and the aircraft destroyed. There was no fire and the ELT activated at impact. The TSB is assisting the RCMP in the investigation. "

[Dash-Ate]

http://www.whistlerisawesome.com/2012/0 ... ve-brolin/


Remembering Legendary Heli-Pilot Dave Brolin

Posted 18th January 2012 by Michelle Leroux


Dave flying during Whistler's K2 Back 9 professional ski event in 2006

Today Twitter told me Dave Brolin had died. Dave wasn’t a filmer, photographer or athlete here in Whistler, but many would argue his presence in the ski and snowboard industry was as significant. And, like many before him, Dave died doing what he loved.

Dave Brolin was a helicopter pilot and, before he moved to Vancouver in 2006 to work for the RCMP, he flew for Blackcomb Aviation and Whistler Search and Rescue. That’s how I will always remember him.

I used to work for Whistler Blackcomb’s PR department, and every spring my work days would be consumed by the coordination of ski and snowboard film shoots by some of the biggest titles in the industry. And, if there was a heli involved, Dave was the only guy we called.

I will never forget riding shotgun in the heli during the filming of Teton Gravity Research’s park shoot for the film “Anomaly”. TGR was filming in Whistler Blackcomb’s Highest Level Park after the mountains closed to the public. Dave executed lightening fast loops and confidently threaded the narrow, booter-infested line between the trees framing the park and the Catskinner Chair as filmers strapped into the heli hung out and captured all of the action.

[180]

Rest In Peace Dave.

I'll never forget you setting down beside us after skiing Rainbow all day for one last freebie up to the top. You had a great smirk...

Our family's thoughts and prayers are with your wife, children, family and friends. So terribly sad...