Sikorsky S-92A crash near St. John's, Newfoundland

17 fatalities • St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

A Cougar Helicopters Sikorsky S-92A crashed into the North Atlantic during a return flight to St. John's.

What happened

On March 12, 2009, at approximately 0926 ADT, a Sikorsky S-92A helicopter, registered G-GZCH, crashed into the North Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft was operating a flight from St. John's International Airport (CYYT) to an offshore oil platform in the Hibernia oil field.

During the flight, the pilot issued a MAYDAY call citing mechanical difficulty and began returning to St. John's. The accident occurred approximately 28 miles east of Cape Spear, near St. John's, Newfoundland. At the time of the impact, the weather was in visual meteorological conditions, though the sea state was characterized by 3 to 5 meter swells. An instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan had been filed for the flight.

There were 18 people on board, including two pilots and 16 passengers. The accident resulted in 17 fatalities and 1 serious injury.

Probable cause

Not provided in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Mar 2009 SIKORSKY S-92A accident near St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada?

A Cougar Helicopters Sikorsky S-92A crashed into the North Atlantic during a return flight to St. John's.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Mar 2009 SIKORSKY S-92A accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 17 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Mar 2009 involved a SIKORSKY S-92A, operated by Cougar Helicopter Inc., at St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?