Incident Details
On July 23, 2011, at approximately 1722 UTC, a Sikorsky S92/A helicopter, Canadian registry C-GQCH, operated by Cougar Helicopters, was departing from the Sea Rose Platform, located about 200 nautical miles east of St. John's, Newfoundland. Shortly after takeoff, while in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the helicopter entered a nose-high attitude with a low power setting and subsequently lost altitude.
Flight Crew Response
The flight crew arrested the descent and continued the flight to St. John's. The aircraft carried two pilots and five passengers, and no injuries were reported among those on board.
Meteorological and Flight Plan Information
Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the incident, and the flight had filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan.
Investigation
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada, conducted by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Further information may be obtained from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada offices in Gatineau, Quebec.