Zone
2 Media Release...
Last Update:
October 2006
See
also Tech Report on 243 ELT
RELEASED Jan 9th, 2003 [Photos Below]
SUBJECT La Ronge ELT Tasking
January 7 at approximately 9:30 am , Zone 2 of CASARA (Civil Air Search and Rescue) Saskatchewan received a "call out" via the Provincial Dispatcher from JRCC (Joint Rescue Coordination Center) in Trenton Ontario. Zone 2 was "tasked" to provide support for the C130 Hercules aircraft that was enroute to LaRonge to locate the source of an ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) signal which was picked up by Satellite.
The ELT signal on 243 mhz was relayed from the satellite to JRCC Trenton, where it was determined to be originating within a two to three nautical mile radius of the center of La Ronge Airport. JRCC then tasked 435 squadron in Winnipeg to investigate the signal source and determine if an aircraft had crashed or suffered a hard landing which may have activated the ELT.
The C130 Herc [see photos below] and crew of five were scheduled for a training exercise but were then re-tasked to La Ronge. " Rescue 340" arrived approximately 11:30 local time and began a "sector search" using a "homer" tuned to 243 mhz to locate the signal source. The sector search is a pattern flown much like the spokes of a wagon wheel with 10 nautical mile long spokes with the hub centered over the La Ronge Airport (Barber Field).
The ELT signal appeared to be coming from an aircraft parked along the lakefront. Local Zone 2 CASARA members were dispatched by ground vehicle to investigate the aircraft and to "turn off the ELT". Meanwhile a pilot of the suspect aircraft was contacted to assist. The ELT was removed and checked. During this period "Rescue 340" began their training exercise at the La Ronge Airport dropping streamers and various parachutes. The batteries were removed from the ELT and a signal check was done. "Rescue 340" could still pick up a signal! This mean the offending ELT had not been located. At this point all aircraft at Barber Field had been checked and no signals were found. The only way to pinpoint the location was to use the homer from "Rescue 340". The decision was made for the Search And Rescue Technicians (SARTech) to make a "jump" from the Herc bringing the homer with them and to do a ground search.
While the Herc was circling, several CASARA members were checking the shop of an absent local aircraft owner and discovered an old ELT that had been removed from his aircraft a year before. Apparently the ELT had been sitting on a shelf and had inadvertently fallen and in doing so activated the transmitter. When the suspect ELT was turned off "Rescue 340" immediately reported the signal was gone. The Tasking was completed and JRCC Trenton was informed of the results.
It is not uncommon for errant ELTs to be the source of an extensive search. Everyone was thankful that this was not a result of an aircraft incident or a loss of life. Searches are costly but it is comforting to know that in Canada we have a Search and Rescue System that will look for anyone, anywhere without any cost to them. JRCC expressed a "job well done" to members of CASARA Saskatchewan Zone 2 and thanked them for all the support.
For more information on CASARA go to www.casarasask.ca [Try our SAR links]
From:
Chris Rule, Zone Commander , Zone 2, CASARA Saskatchewan
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C130 Hercules Crew & CASARA Volunteers January 7, 2003 |
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C130 @ La Ronge Airport
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| Parachuting SARtech David with 243 Mhz ELT Homing Gear |
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| Even without the main antenna this ELT (orange box in left hand of CASARA member Darcy) signalled the satellite ! |
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Interested in more photos..
Listen to the sound an aircraft ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) makes!
Learn more about the satellites that detect ELTs !
Learn more about the C130 Hercules Aircraft
Learn more about ground homing with the L-Per
Learn more about the future 406 standard in ELTs
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