Loss of control during night approach and near collision with terrain, Helijet International Inc., Sikorsky S-76C+ (helicopter), C-GHHJ, Tofino/Long Beach Airport, British Columbia, 15 November 2015 .: TU3-5/15-0217E-PDF

“On 15 November 2015, at 0135 Pacific Standard Time, the Helijet International Inc. Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopter (registration C-GHHJ, serial number 760500) departed at night from Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, on a night visual flight rules medical evacuation flight to Tofino/Long Beach Airport, British Columbia, with 2 paramedics and 2 pilots on board. While conducting a visual approach to Runway 29, the crew disengaged the autopilot at an altitude of 600 feet above sea level and manoeuvred toward the planned landing area. At approximately 0239, on short final, the helicopter’s airspeed slowed, a high rate of descent developed, rotor speed began to decrease, and directional control was lost. Control was re-established over a beach, after the helicopter had descended to approximately 3 feet above ground level, and approximately 67 feet below the airfield elevation at Tofino/Long Beach Airport. The pilots then observed normal engine and drivetrain parameters and climbed to 500 feet above sea level to conduct a second approach. During this approach, additional control difficulties were encountered, but the helicopter was able to land. There were no injuries, there was no fire, and the emergency locator transmitter was not activated”--Summary, t.p.

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Publication information
Department/Agency Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
Title Loss of control during night approach and near collision with terrain, Helijet International Inc., Sikorsky S-76C+ (helicopter), C-GHHJ, Tofino/Long Beach Airport, British Columbia, 15 November 2015 .
Series title Aviation investigation report ; A15P0217
Publication type Series - View Master Record
Language [English]
Other language editions [French]
Format Electronic
Electronic document
Note(s) Issued also in French under title: Perte de maîtrise pendant une approche de nuit et quasi-collision avec le relief, Helijet International Inc., Sikorsky S-76C+ (hélicoptère), C-GHHJ, aéroport de Tofino/Long Beach (Colombie-Britannique), 15 novembre 2015.
Includes bibliographical references.
Publishing information Gatineau, QC : Transportation Safety Board of Canada, c2017.
Description iv, 66 p. : col. charts, col. ill., col. maps
ISBN 978-0-660-24070-1
Catalogue number
  • TU3-5/15-0217E-PDF
Subject terms Aircraft accidents
Helicopters
Investigations
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