Epilogue - Griffon CH146495

The mission consisted of a two-ship formation flight originating from the Edmonton Namao Heliport and heading to an area called Redwater for a troop extraction. As part of the mission the two CH146 aircraft were conducting a formation tactical low-level navigation training flight in the Tactical Low Flying Area.

The formation involved aircraft CH146449 (Gander 21) and CH146495 (Gander 22), with Gander 21 in the lead for the first portion of the mission. After a planned lead change Gander 22 took the lead for the second half of the tactical low-level navigation. It was during that portion of the mission that Gander 22 struck a distribution power line when the aircraft was flown in a gap in the trees above a road crossing. The wire strike occurred approximately 67 km northeast of the Edmonton Namao aerodrome, across Township Road 190.

After the wire strike Gander 22 did not land but continued flying to the troop extraction point Redwater, after which the formation split. Gander 22 returned to Edmonton Namao airport without further incident.

The aircraft sustained serious damage and there were no injuries. The severed live wire started a small grass fire that was extinguished by the Smokey Lake Fire Department. Eighteen homes lost power for approximately four hours before repairs were completed.

The investigation determined that due to distraction from unrelated discussions in the cockpit, the crew was in a relaxed state and reduced their vigilance to the low-level environment obstacle threats. It was found that cultural aspects at the unit led to crew decisions which ignored published procedures.

Recommendations include changes to procedures as well as further training in Human Performance in Military Aviation.

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