Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have made significant progress in determining the cause of the tragic crash of a Rotak Helicopter Services Chinook in Idaho last year. Their findings highlight an unexpected factor: an iPad jamming against the co-pilot’s left pedal.
Photo: NTSB
On the fateful afternoon of July 21, 2022, the Boeing CH-47D Chinook was engaged in a firefighting mission, utilizing a long line to fill its bucket from the Salmon River. However, disaster struck when the helicopter started spinning uncontrollably to the left, descending rapidly and ultimately crashing into the river below. Despite the valiant efforts of ground firefighters, both the pilot, Thomas Hayes, and co-pilot, Jared Bird, succumbed to their injuries.
The NTSB’s investigation into the incident is still ongoing, and the final report is yet to be released, including the official determination of the probable cause. However, the recently opened public docket sheds light on an “Exemplar Helicopter and iPad Examination Summary” that reveals crucial information regarding the damage sustained by the flight crew’s iPad recovered from the river.
Apple iPads, along with other electronic flight bags (EFBs), have become commonplace in aircraft cockpits, serving various purposes such as flight planning, navigation assistance, and replacing traditional paper documents.
NTSB investigators meticulously examined the accident helicopter and conducted tests using an exemplar CH-47D with a similar cockpit configuration. They discovered that the iPad belonging to the co-pilot had three distinct gouge marks and a bend on the case, indicating it had jammed against the left pedal.
By replicating the circumstances, investigators determined that the iPad became wedged between the left pedal and the heel slide support assembly when pressure was applied to the pilot’s left pedal. This obstruction prevented the pedals from re-centering and pushed against the co-pilot’s left pedal adjustment lever. Furthermore, applying pressure to the pilot’s right pedal squeezed the iPad against the assembly, causing additional damage.
The recovered iPad’s gouge marks aligned precisely with a sharp, vertical metal piece beneath the heel slide support assembly. Analysis of the wreckage revealed that the co-pilot’s left pedal was adjusted to its forward-most setting, while the right pedal was in the middle setting.
It is crucial to note that during the investigation, neither a slightly shorter (5’7″) nor a slightly taller (6’2″) individual, with seat restraints and adjusted seats, could reach the jammed iPad. The presence of seat restraints and the flight helmet further complicated the co-pilot’s ability to retrieve the iPad swiftly.
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