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Immediate report of Victoria University of Wellington Antarctic Expedition 1989-90: VUWAE 34

Accidents

Accidents

Hagglunds (H26) recovery from crevasse

H26 became stuck in a crevasse after driving up New Glacier on route to the Flatiron. The crevasse was encountered on a gentle snow covered slope (<10°) above the crevassed area at the top of New Glacier which is obvious on aerial photographs and the 1.250,000 map series. An account of the incident is detailed below.

19 November, 2130 NZST. Began ascent of New Glacier after refuelling and leaving sledge on sea ice at New Glacier Terminus. Travelled up glacier and crossed several small crevasses (up to 1.0 m wide) in blue ice.

2230 NZST. Reached upper New Glacier approx 6-8 km from terminus then turned north to north east towards the Flatiron. Gentle snow slope, travelled at about 10 km/hour (tow ratio, 2 gear)

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2330 NZST. Encountered crevasse parallel to our tracks. Rear cab tilted at 45° resting on crevasse edge hallway up the caboose side, right track and part of the left track in crevasse. No personnel injuries sustained and evacuated uphill and through left side doors without difficulty. Front cab tilted between 10-20° with tracks partially on snow bridge. Goodwin roped up and unloaded survival box and rear cab. Immediate area probed for crevasses and crevasses marked with bamboo canes. Set up timber deadman 15 m away at 10 O'clock to vehicle in small crevasse. Winched vehicle about 1 m forward before wire broke because vehicle couldn't move to level wind the wire.

20 November 0100 NZST. Carried camp about 100-150 m down track and established camp for the night. Informed Scott Base at 0145 NZST that H26 was immobilised in a crevasse and that we would require assistance from Scott Base for the recovery.

1400 NZST. Kiwi helo arrives at crevasse site with Scott Base mechanic, two survival school personnel and recovery equipment. Helo to C.Roberts and returns to site with two bridging timbers. Weather was closing in so helo returned to Marble Point. Crevasse area rechecked and flagged by survival personnel and established safe routes and personnel anchors. Vehicle initially righted with chain hoists, the back cab was slid sideways so that the left rack was on a firm footing. Timbers were slid under the rear cab right track, and the front cab jacked up, then the vehicle was pivoted about the hinge point by a combination of winching and steering and eventually driven off the crevasse. Vehicle recovery completed at 2045 NZST.

All personnel remained at the camp site that evening.

21 November. Kiwi helo returns Scott Base personnel and H26 returns down New Glacier without incident.

We have operated in this area by toboggan in previous years (1981,9182,1983) and a USARP group used toboggans this season to travel up New Glacier to Pegtop Mountain without incident. Hagglunds have a relatively low ground pressure but are still moderately heavy vehicles and it is the total weight which is the important consideration on wind slab snow and snow bridges.

Due to the crevasse incident we decided to cancel the planned work at Mt. Suess and Pegtop Mountain, however we are confident this work could be done with toboggan support in the future.