Accident Overview
On March 12, 2009, at approximately 0926 Atlantic Daylight Time, a Sikorsky S-92A helicopter bearing Canadian registry C-GZCH and operated by Cougar Helicopters impacted the waters of the North Atlantic. The accident occurred about 28 miles east of Cape Spear, near St. John's, Newfoundland. The helicopter was carrying two pilots and 16 passengers. One passenger survived the accident with serious injuries; the other 17 occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Flight Details
The helicopter was en route from St. John's International Airport (CYYT) to an offshore oil platform in the Hibernia oil field. During the flight, the pilot transmitted a MAYDAY call reporting a mechanical difficulty and was returning to St. John's at the time of the accident. An instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan had been filed. Visual meteorological conditions were present, and the sea state was characterized by 3 to 5 meter swells.
Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada assumed jurisdiction over the investigation. As of the provided information, no probable cause has been stated.