The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone maritime and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter that crashed in the Ionian Sea on 29 April did not respond as the crew would have anticipated while performing a final complex manoeuvre turn to close with the HMCS Fredericton, according to a preliminary report.
The From the Investigator (FTI) report released 8 June determined that the CH-148 was returning from a routine surface reconnaissance mission followed by additional training of flight deck evolutions for aircrew proficiency before landing on the HMCS Fredericton. The helicopter had flown by the port side of the ship, from stern to bow, before making a left-hand turn to establish a downwind leg in preparation for approach to the ship.
Canadian Armed Forces members and EDT Hercules personnel inspect recovered parts of CH-148 Cyclone on 31 May 2020 during recovery operations for the aircraft.
The aircraft then began a final left turn to prepare for the approach. During this turn to close with the ship, the helicopter did not respond as the crew would have anticipated. This event occurred at low altitude, was unrecoverable, and the CH-148 entered a high-energy descent and crashed into the water astern the ship.
The investigation is ongoing and will focus on aircraft systems and human factors. The CAF fleet of CH-148 aircraft remains on an operational pause while the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) investigates the cause of the crash.
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