Pilot lands helicopter in lake after it loses power while fighting northwestern Ontario wildfire

In a recent incident during the wildfire fighting efforts in northwestern Ontario, a helicopter lost power over a lake, prompting the pilot to perform an autorotation landing in shallow water. Fortunately, the pilot emerged unharmed from the incident, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is currently investigating the matter.

The incident took place near Sandy Lake, Ont., as a Guardian Helicopters Inc. Bell 205A-1 helicopter was engaged in aerial firefighting activities. After scooping a load of water from the lake, the engine suddenly stopped producing power, leading to the emergency landing maneuver by the pilot. Autorotation, a technique used by pilots to safely land a helicopter in the event of power loss, was successfully executed in this situation.

The province of Ontario has been facing one of its worst wildfire seasons, with efforts to combat the blazes ongoing in various regions. The Canadian Armed Forces were called to assist in the evacuation of over 2,000 individuals from Sandy Lake First Nation due to the Red Lake 12 wildfire, the largest wildfire in the region spanning more than 177,000 hectares.

Despite the helicopter incident, firefighting operations have been progressing in the affected areas. Heavy helicopters equipped with water buckets and water bombers have been deployed to help contain the fires and protect communities like Deer Lake First Nation, Sandy Lake, and Keewaywin. Additionally, firefighting crews supported by aerial resources have been working to consolidate hose lines and maintain protective systems on buildings and infrastructure in the impacted regions.

While the wildfire hazard levels have varied across the province, recent rainfall has helped lower the risks in certain sectors. However, the far north continues to experience moderate to high wildfire hazards, necessitating ongoing vigilance and firefighting efforts.

Authorities from Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources have expressed gratitude for the safe outcome of the helicopter incident and have pledged full cooperation with Transport Canada and the TSB in their investigations. The safety of all personnel involved in the wildfire fighting operations remains a top priority as efforts continue to contain and extinguish the blazes threatening the region.