The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) on Thursday released its investigation report (A14Q0060) into the May 2014 collision of an Airbus Helicopters AS350 BA with poorly marked wires north of Sept-Îles, Quebec. The accident seriously injured both occupants. The helicopter, operated by Héli-Boréal, was inspecting for vegetation encroachment along a power line at the time of the accident.
While completing a right turn in a valley, the pilot noticed a larger power transmission line crossing perpendicular to the flight and made an immediate right turn away. One of the helicopter's main rotor blades struck one of the cables. The helicopter's skids impacted trees as the machine rolled left and fell 50 feet, coming to rest on its left side. Despite their injuries, the two people aboard were able exit the helicopter, although the aircraft was destroyed.
The TSB said the power line lacked the standard triangular markings to warn the pilot of the upcoming intersection with another line. The investigation also found deficiencies related to the collection and distribution of air navigation information that caused Nav Canada to clarify how aeronautical information is to be used. Héli-Boréal also improved its flight training for power line inspection flights.