Transport Canada too slow: chopper crash families

A woman whose husband died in the Cougar helicopter tragedy east of St. John's in 2009 is frustrated the federal government hasn't acted more quickly to improve offshore chopper safety.

Newfoundland resident Lori Chynn said the families of people who died in the crash want helicopters that transport workers to offshore oil platforms to run for at least 30 minutes after losing oil pressure.

"It's very frustrating. There's been lots of discussion, lots of investigation. We know what the problem is.So let's put some action into place and let's fix the problem," said Chynn.

Cougar flight 491 crashed in to the ocean east of St. John's on March 12, 2009, killing 17 people. The chopper hit the water 11 minutes after oil pressuredropped inthe main gearbox.

Transport Canada is looking into the issue, but said it is consulting with other countries before making any decision to legislate changes.

TransportCanada regulates the aviation industry

TSB recommended changes

In February, the independent body that investigates crashes, the Transportation Safety Board, recommended several improvements to offshore helicopter travel in its reporton the crash of Cougar Helicopters flight 491.

The TSB said helicopters must:

• Have a main gearbox able to run without oil for 30 minutes.
• Not fly in rough conditions.
• Have an air supply on all helicopters that fly over water.

Its investigators also highlighted the fact that Cougar Flight 491 crashed 11 minutes after problems were detected.

"There was a complex equation of 16 factors involved in this accident. No one factor stands out above the others," said board spokeswoman Wendy Tadros in St. John's on Wednesday. "The manufacturer, the regulator and Cougar have largely address the problems that have been identified, but risks still exist."

The board's Mark Clitsome said the Sikorsky S92A still cannot run without oil for 30 minutes.

"The Sikorsky S92A came to be certified without a 30-minute run-dry time.The studs have changed, but the gearbox has not changed and in the event of catastrophic oil loss, the S92a would still crash in 11 minutes."