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Chopper survivor to testify at inquiry today
(2009-11-05)
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The last terrifying moments of Cougar Flight 91 will finally be told by the only person to escape the helicopter crash that killed 17 off Newfoundland in March.
Robert Decker, who is thought to have made it out a window after the Sikorsky S-92 smashed into the Atlantic, is scheduled to testify this morning at an inquiry into the crash.
He has never spoken publicly about what happened and inquiry staff are taking special measures to shield him from attention. Media are not allowed to record any images in the building today -- before, during or after his testimony -- and the public area of the room is reserved for the families of those lost in the crash.
Other members of the public were urged to watch his appearance “via Rogers TV, in the first instance, or via the live webcast available at www.oshsi.nl.ca,” according to a statement from the inquiry. “Please note that should there be an increased level of activity on the website, there could be issues with viewing the live stream.”
The Cougar helicopter was carrying two crew members and 16 workers on a routine run to the offshore oil platforms when a mayday call was issued. With no oil pressure in the main gearbox the helicopter went down within eight minutes, after a failed attempt to reach land. Two passengers ended up outside the wrecked chopper before it sank. Mr. Decker was the only one recovered alive.
Mr. Decker, who worked as an ice spotter on an oil rig, was severely injured in the crash. He was eventually able to give his account to RCMP investigators but it has been kept confidential.
The inquiry is overseen by retired Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court judge Robert Wells who, at 76, underwent survival training so he could visit the offshore rigs. It will not assign blame for the crash of the Sikorsky S-92 but it is seeking to improve offshore worker safety.
Already heard have been submissions from Transport Canada, the Transportation Safety Board and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, which oversees the offshore industry.
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