The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 2 February 2017.
Engine failure and collision with terrain
Oceanview Helicopters Ltd.
Hughes 369D (helicopter), C-FOHE
Paynton, Saskatchewan, 7 nm N
The occurrence
On 22 October 2015, an Oceanview Helicopters Ltd. Hughes 369D (registration C-FOHE, serial number 410942D) was conducting aerial work on power lines in the vicinity of Paynton, Saskatchewan, with the pilot and an external platform worker on board. At 1342 Central Standard Time, while installing a marker ball in a hover at approximately 325 feet above ground level, the helicopter experienced an engine failure, descended suddenly, and collided with the terrain. The pilot and external platform worker were fatally injured, and the helicopter was destroyed in a post-impact fire. The emergency locator transmitter activated on impact, but was destroyed by the post-impact fire.
Media materials
News release
Engine failure at low altitude led to fatal October 2015 helicopter crash near Paynton, Saskatchewan
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB will be deploying a team of investigators to a helicopter accident near Paynton, Saskatchewan
Winnipeg, Manitoba, 22 October 2015 - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) will be deploying a team of investigators to the site of a helicopter accident near Paynton, Saskatchewan. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A15C0146
Engine failure and collision with terrain
Oceanview Helicopters Ltd.
Hughes 369D (helicopter), C-FOHE
Paynton, Saskatchewan, 7 nm N
Investigator-in-charge
Eckhard Dittbrenner has more than 35 years of civil aviation experience and joined the TSB in 1999. Prior to joining the TSB, he worked as an aircraft technician for a commuter airline and worked for Transport Canada Aviation Enforcement for eight years. Since joining the TSB, Mr. Dittbrenner participated in several TSB investigations, including the investigation into the 2005 Air France accident at Pearson Airport in Toronto.
Photos
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 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.