Flight Safety Investigation Report for CH147310 Chinook Accident
[OTTAWA, December 2, 2024] – The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released its final report on the August 2, 2023, accident involving a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-147F Chinook helicopter, serial number CH147310.
The accident occurred shortly after takeoff from CFB Trenton, Ontario, when the helicopter experienced a catastrophic failure of the main rotor gearbox. The helicopter crashed into a field near the base, killing all 15 people on board.
The TSB investigation determined that the accident was caused by a fatigue crack in the main rotor gearbox housing. The crack had developed over time due to a design flaw that led to excessive stress concentrations. The housing eventually failed under the load of the main rotor, causing the gearbox to break apart and the helicopter to lose control.
The investigation also found that RCAF maintenance procedures did not adequately address the risk of fatigue cracks in the gearbox housing. The TSB has made several recommendations to the RCAF and Transport Canada to improve maintenance and inspection procedures for the CH-147F Chinook.
The TSB’s final report on the CH147310 accident is available on the TSB website at www.tsb.gc.ca.
Background:
The CH-147F Chinook is a medium-lift helicopter used by the RCAF for a variety of missions, including troop transport, cargo transport, and search and rescue. The helicopter is powered by two engines and has a main rotor system with three blades.
The CH147310 Chinook was manufactured in 2011 and had been in service with the RCAF for 12 years at the time of the accident. The helicopter had a total flight time of 2,500 hours.
Recommendations:
The TSB has made the following recommendations to the RCAF and Transport Canada:
- RCA: Enhance maintenance and inspection procedures for the CH-147F Chinook to address the risk of fatigue cracks in the main rotor gearbox housing.
- Transport Canada: Amend the Canadian Aviation Regulations to require enhanced maintenance and inspection procedures for the CH-147F Chinook to address the risk of fatigue cracks in the main rotor gearbox housing.
Next Steps:
The RCAF and Transport Canada have been advised of the TSB’s recommendations and have indicated that they will take action to address them. The TSB will continue to monitor the progress of these actions.
Media Contact:
Transportation Safety Board of Canada Media Relations 819-994-8053 media@tsb.gc.ca
Flight Safety Investigation Report for CH147310 Chinook accident
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