In July 2023, a tragic helicopter crash claimed the life of pilot Ryan Gould, 41, during Alberta’s wildfire suppression efforts. The Transportation Safety Board’s recent report attributes the accident to engine failure.
Gould, hailing from Whitecourt, Alberta, was the sole occupant of the Bell 205A-1 helicopter operated by Valhalla Helicopters Inc. On July 19, 2023, approximately 110 kilometers northeast of Peace River, the aircraft crashed while combating a wildfire near the Peace River Airport.
The investigation revealed that moments after liftoff, the helicopter experienced engine failure, leading to a rapid loss of altitude. During an attempted emergency landing, the attached water bucket became entangled in trees, resulting in a loss of control.
The report identified a manufacturing defect in the engine’s air diffuser as the root cause, which over time led to engine failure. Additionally, the common practice of operating with the cargo release switch turned off may have hindered the pilot’s ability to jettison the load during the emergency.
This incident underscores the inherent risks faced by aerial firefighters. Similar tragedies have occurred, including the deaths of pilots Heath Coleman in June 2021 and Jean-Luc Deba in May 2011, both during wildfire suppression missions in Alberta.
Source: Swifteradio.com
