Australian transportation safety report details B.C. air tanker crash that injured pilots
A British Columbia aviation company says it is making changes to its airborne firefighting operations after the Australian Transportation Safety Bureau released a preliminary report into a firebomber crash that injured two pilots earlier this year.
Port Alberni-based Coulson Aviation says it is increasing both the minimum altitude and drop speeds of its firebombers after one of its converted Boeing 737s crashed while fighting a wildfire in western Australia's Fitzgerald River National Park on Feb. 6.
Tanker 139, a converted Boeing 737 aircraft, crashed in February with a two-person crew on board. (Coulson Aviation)
The two-pilot crew sustained minor injuries when their "Fireliner" aircraft, dubbed Tanker 139, struck a ridgeline during a retardant drop and became airborne again, travelling about 69 metres while shedding debris, before striking the ground a second time and sliding to a stop.
CABIN DOOR STUCK
"Both pilots were unable to open the cabin door as it had buckled and the co-pilot was unable to open the right-side window," according to the ATSB report.
"The captain observed out of the left side window that a post impact fire had started and managed to open that window on their second attempt. Both pilots then exited out of the left window and moved clear of the wreckage and fire."
The pilots were rescued by a fire control helicopter after two other air tankers dropped retardant on the burning plane, believing the crew were still inside, the report says.
Tanker 139, which was destroyed in the blaze, was one of the newest aircraft in Coulson Aviation's fleet of six Fireliner tankers created from modified commercial passenger jets.
The plane's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered and taken to an ATSB facility in Canberra where they were repaired and assessed. (ATSB)
The extent of the damage to the plane precluded any inspection of the cockpit and flight instruments, according to investigators.
However, the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered and taken to an ATSB facility in Canberra where they were repaired and assessed.
In response to the crash, Coulson Aviation has increased its minimum retardant drop height from 45 metres above ground to 60 metres. It has also updated its minimum drop airspeed from 1.25 times the aircraft's stall speed, or minimum steady flight speed, to 1.35 times.
The February crash followed a similar Coulson crash that killed three American crewmembers fighting wildfires in Australia in 2020.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.