Incident Details
A Helijet Sikorsky S-76A helicopter, equipped with Rolls-Royce 250-C30 engines, was approaching a small floating heli-pad at a fishing lodge on Langara Island. As the helicopter prepared to land, the pilot heard a loud bang and the number 2 (right) engine lost power. The pilot immediately initiated an emergency landing on the water near the heli-pad and deployed the emergency flotation system. All floats inflated as designed, and the helicopter was shut down after landing.
After the rotor came to a stop, the pilot observed the helicopter beginning to list. An evacuation was called, and the two occupants—the pilot and one passenger—exited the aircraft. They escaped without getting wet and sustained no injuries. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled inverted in the water, remaining afloat only by the floats on one side.
Emergency Response
The pilot's actions included a controlled emergency landing on water and activation of the flotation gear. The evacuation proceeded without incident, and both occupants were safe on the heli-pad or nearby land. The helicopter sustained damage from the rollover, but specific damage items were not detailed in the initial report.
Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada is conducting an investigation into the accident. As the state of manufacture of the rotorcraft and engines, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has designated a U.S. Accredited Representative under Annex 13 to the Convention on Civil Aviation to assist the TSB. All inquiries should be directed to the TSB of Canada.