Cougar helicopter crash survivor Robert Decker gives full account of crash to RCMP Breaking News print this article
The Telegram
Robert Decker, the only survivor of the tragic helicopter crash March 12 off the east coast of Newfoundland, has meet with RCMP investigators and has given a full account of the events surrounding the crash of Cougar Helicopters flight 491, the RCMP announced today.
The crash killed 17 of the 18 people onboard the helicopter, which was making its way to oil platforms on the Grand Banks.
The RCMP says the information given by Decker will be provided to Transportation Safety Board investigators for their ongoing investigation into the helicopter crash. While the TSB is ongoing, and since there are privacy concerns, the RCMP says it will not be in a position to recount Decker’s story to the public.
Officials with TSB have said a bolt in the main gearbox failed during flight and resulted in a sudden loss of oil pressure prior to the crash of the Sikorsky S-92 A in the Atlantic Ocean.
The TSB said its investigation has found that the flight data recorder indicated oil pressure in the gear box had dropped to zero. There was also a power interruption prior to the crash that caused the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to shut off.
The flight crew radioed they were preparing to ditch, and radar indicates the aircraft descended at roughly 1,000 feet per minute. Impact data indicates the helicopter hit the water with an impact 20 times the force of gravity. The helicopter crashed belly down with the tail hitting first.
Earlier today, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (CNLOPB) announced it is setting up an inquiry into worker safety in the wake of the crash.
“While we believe it is important to announce the inquiry at this time, we continue to work on a definition of the mandate, terms of reference, selection of a commissioner for the inquiry, and timeline for inquiry completion,” said a release.
That information will be released at a later date.
The inquiry is being set up under the Atlantic Accord Act which requires a mandatory inquiry in the event of a serious offshore incident.
The CNLOPB says its inquiry will not examine the same issues already under review by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
The Telegram - St. John?s, NL: Local News | Cougar helicopter crash survivor Robert Decker gives full account of crash to RCMP
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Aser