News release

Today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its investigation report (A23P0136) into a lightning strike and loss of control of a Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter over North Pender Island, British Columbia (BC).

On October 24, 2023, the helicopter operated by Helijet International Inc., was conducting scheduled flights between Vancouver Harbour and Victoria Harbour heliports (BC). During its fourth flight of the day, the helicopter departed Vancouver Harbour under instrument flight rules (IFR). While on route, the helicopter entered an area of heavy rain and turbulence and was struck by lightning. The strike was likely the result of helicopter-induced lightning, a phenomenon in which the helicopter triggers a lightning strike.

Following the strike, the captain took over control from the first officer. Shortly after, the helicopter entered an uncontrolled rapid descent of about 3,000 feet and a steep turn. Once the helicopter emerged from the clouds, the captain regained visual references and re-established a straight and level flight to Victoria Harbour.

The investigation found that, after control of the helicopter was reestablished, the flight crew had time to identify the options available and assess the risks before deciding to continue. The captain also identified a contingency plan to land immediately if the circumstances changed. With visual flight conditions observed along the remaining flight path, the decision-making process reasonably considered the variables present and integrated all the information available.

The investigation also determined that the meteorological data available before the flight did not indicate conditions that would have prevented an IFR flight. Although the conditions conducive to helicopter-induced lightning were present, they were not readily identifiable using current weather assessment methods. As a result, the flight crew had no indication of the potential for a lightning strike.

See the investigation page for more information.