Air transportation safety investigation A23P0136

Table of contents

    Lightning strike and loss of control
    Helijet International Inc.
    Sikorsky S-76C++ (helicopter), C-GXHJ
    Sidney, British Columbia, 10 NM NE

    The occurrence

    On 24 October 2023, a Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter operated by Helijet International Inc. was conducting a flight from Vancouver Harbour Heliport, British Columbia (BC), to Victoria Harbour (Camel Point) Heliport, BC, with 2 flight crew members and 12 passengers on board. During cruise flight, the helicopter was struck by lightning and entered a rapid descent. The captain re-established straight and level flight after losing 3144 vertical feet. The flight crew continued the flight to Victoria and landed without incident. There were no reported injuries. The helicopter was substantially damaged.

    Photos

    Image
    Damaged horizontal stabilizer and tail rotor (Source: Third party with permission)

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.