Lakelse Air – Aerospatiale AS 350 B-2 Helicopter – External Load Issue

2018-09-12
C-FNBR, an Aerospatiale AS 350 B-2 helicopter operated by Lakelse Air, was conducting external load operations approximately 10 nm East of Bronson Creek, BC (abandoned) with only the pilot on board.
During the flight, the pilot encountered a high wind gust and observed the external load (empty fuel bladder) flying erratically and sailing up towards the tail rotor.
The pilot released the load as a precautionary measure, returned to the staging area and landed without further incident.