Pilot cellphone use and checklist shortcut cited in BC crash

A pilot’s use of a cellphone and an abbreviated checklist during a routine maintenance procedure contributed to a fatal accident at a British Columbia airport, according to an official investigation. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada released a report detailing the events of May 6, 2023, at Smithers Airport, where a helicopter unexpectedly rotated during ground runs, killing one worker and severely injuring another.

The report states that a pilot and two maintenance workers were conducting ground run operations on the helicopter. During a third engine start, one of the aircraft’s pedals was engaged, causing the helicopter to rotate quickly to the right. Both workers on the ground were struck multiple times by the tail rotor. One worker, Justen Smuland, was killed.

Investigators found the pilot had brought his personal cellphone into the cockpit and was listening to music through a Bluetooth earpiece. He had also mentioned to the maintenance staff that he was interested in following a live sporting event. The report notes the pilot was observed holding and interacting with his phone while the main rotor blades were spooling down after an earlier run. Engine noise...