CH146408
Griffon
06 November 2003
Cold Lake Air Weapons Range, Cold Lake, AB
The CH146 Griffon Helicopter was conducting an Advanced Night Vision Goggles (NVG) training mission in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR) as part of a 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (THS) NVG upgrade program.
The aircraft took off from 4 Wing Cold Lake and then proceeded to the CLAWR for a 50 foot NVG low level navigation exercise. At the end of the navigation leg the Aircraft Commander (AC) gave a simulated no. 2 Engine Fire. The First Officer (FO) then selected a landing area which appeared to be an open field covered with tall grass, low shrubs and shallow snow.
In reality, the landing surface was frozen muskeg. The FO landed gently and performed a seating check in accordance with CH146 Standard Manoeuvre Manual. A few seconds later the aircraft settled approximately 12 inches with a 5 degree left roll. The FO immediately increased power to prevent further settling and the AC took the controls.
Not realizing that the aircraft had now moved forward slightly and that the left skid toe was caught under the ice surface, the AC increased the power further. Full aft and right cyclic input was reached before the aircraft finally broke free and stabilized in a 4 foot hover.
The crew then elected to fly to Primrose Lake Evaluation Range (PLER) helicopter landing pad approximately 10 km away to land safely.
Following shut down, damage was found on the underside of the Griffon consisting mainly of pushed up skin and web damage forward of the tail boom attachment bulkhead. The damage was initially assessed as "B" Cat damage. The damage Category was later downgraded to "D" Cat following final disposition.
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