Arctic Helicopter Crash Update

[svmariane]

Helicopter recovered. Photos. Some new info.


Photos: Canada Pulls Crashed Helicopter From Arctic

News Article: Arctic helicopter crash details emerge

There's another thread that originally reported this crash but darned if I can find it using the search function.

[rognvald]

Interesting, but sad article on the death of the courageous and talented members of the crew. Did you read one of the life vests had not inflated totally?

[knottybuoyz]

I saw the pics when they first came into the office. I was sad when it happened and even sadder when I saw those pics. I'm sure I flew with Daniel Dubé back in the mid '90's aboard the CCGS Ann Harvey.

[svmariane]

Originally Posted by rognvald

Interesting, but sad article on the death of the courageous and talented members of the crew. Did you read one of the life vests had not inflated totally?

About the life vests... I don't know yet if it was a one-bladder or two-bladder type. And did it inflate imperfectly, or was it damaged/torn during the event. But why two people wore no life vests at all is strange.

And with zero degree centigrade water temps, the issue of proper immersion suits seems (to me) the kicker - life vests or no.

I look at the remains of the helicopter and just can't believe it was any type of soft landing. Hard, fast, and deadly. All in all, considering the environment it doesn't appear that they had much of a chance even IF they'd been wearing life vest and immersion suit. Too cold, too much time for anyone else to get there.

James

[rognvald]

"All in all, considering the environment it doesn't appear that they had much of a chance even IF they'd been wearing life vest and immersion suit. Too cold, too much time for anyone else to get there. "

James/SVMariane


James, this is a point well taken. There are situations in life where the best preparations in the world will not save you. It is not that one intentionally disregards safety concerns, but an element of chance must also be factored into the equation. It reminds me of Robert Burns' poem "To a Mouse" where the poet is digging in a field in Winter and disrupts a mouse's carefully made nest:


"But little Mouse, you are not alone,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes of mice and men
Go often awry,
And leave us nothing but grief and pain,
for promised joy!" 1785