Accident Occurred During Pipeline Patrol

The Transportation Board of Canada has released a report indicating that the pilot of a Cessna 172 on a pipeline patrol flight was taking photographs during the flight and lost control of his airplane, resulting in his fatal injury.

According to the report posted on the TSB website, the Alta Flights Limited Cessna 172M departed Springbank Airport, Alberta, on a visual flight rules flight to conduct a pipeline patrol to the south, through foothill terrain. While the aircraft was circling a pipeline stream crossing on Chaffen Creek, approximately 22 nautical miles west-northwest of Claresholm, Alberta, near the Chain Lakes Reservoir, it entered a spin, descended steeply, and collided with terrain at 1734 Mountain Daylight Time. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces, and there was no post-impact fire. The 406-MHz emergency locator transmitter activated on impact. The accident occurred during daylight hours.
 
The report indicates that such patrols are normally flown with a single pilot, who also fills the role of observer. At points of particular interest, including stream crossings, or points of unusual activity in the vicinity of pipelines, the pilot would take notes and multiple photographs to be included in reports submitted to the clients. Pilots would usually circle the site to the left, at altitudes between 200 and 700 feet above ground level (agl). The hand-held digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, featuring autofocus, required the picture to be framed through the viewfinder, and was capable of taking photos in quick succession. Performing detailed photography required the pilot to fly with one hand on the control yoke, and to frame the pictures while in the turn with the other hand. Depending on the desired view, steep bank angles could be necessary.

Records indicated that the pilot was certified and qualified for the flight in accordance with existing regulations. The pilot had a total flying time of approximately 6900 hours, and had flown for Alta Flights Ltd., exclusively on pipeline patrols, since 2003, accumulating approximately 5000 hours in that environment on the Cessna 172. Before employment at Alta Flights Ltd., the pilot had been engaged in aerial application flying. The pilot last flew on 21 August, and then spent 3 days flying as observer, which were followed by a day off on 25 August. The pilot was reported to be well rested and in good spirits on the day of the accident.

The photographs captured by the pilot indicate that the visibility was unrestricted at the time of the accident.

The board found that "For undetermined reasons, while maneuvering during a low-level pipeline reconnaissance, control was lost and the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall and spin. Although the pilot was able to arrest the spin, the low altitude of the aircraft prevented recovery from the stall before the aircraft struck the ground.

(Images provided by the Transportation Board of Canada)

FMI: Report