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Sikorsky S-61N Helicopter Accident at Lake Errock, British Columbia

Lake Errock, British Columbia, CA

On December 16, 2002, a Sikorsky S-61N (Shortsky) Helicopter C-FHHD operated by Hayes Helicopter Services Limited was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Errock, British Columbia, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the plain bearing in the main gearbox cover for the number 1 input pinion led to the in-flight fracture of the input pinion, which immediately caused the number 1 engine to overspeed and shut down. This summary draws on records from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).

Sourcesthe Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Sikorsky S-61N helicopter made an emergency landing on Highway 7 near Lake Errock, BC, after an engine failure and cabin fire. Three occupants sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft was substantially damaged.

Incident Overview and Initial Events On the day of the accident, a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter, registration C-FHHD, serial number 61490, departed from a service landing area near Lake Errock, British Columbia, at approximately 1200 Pacific standard time. The aircraft was carrying two pilots and an aircraft maintenance engineer for the purpose of performing engine performance adjustments. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing through approximately 1,000 feet above sea level at a speed of about 65 knots, the crew heard an intensifying whining noise followed by a loud bang. Immediately after this event, the number 1 engine lost power, and the number 2 engine failed to automatically compensate for the loss of thrust.

Probable cause

The failure of the plain bearing in the main gearbox cover for the number 1 input pinion led to the in-flight fracture of the input pinion, which immediately caused the number 1 engine to overspeed and shut down. The number 2 engine was incapable of assuming the sudden load demand and did not produce its rated power.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Dec 2002 Sikorsky S-61N (Shortsky) Helicopter C-FHHD accident near Lake Errock, British Columbia, CA?

A Sikorsky S-61N helicopter made an emergency landing on Highway 7 near Lake Errock, BC, after an engine failure and cabin fire. Three occupants sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft was substantially damaged.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 2002 Sikorsky S-61N (Shortsky) Helicopter C-FHHD accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Dec 2002 involved a Sikorsky S-61N (Shortsky) Helicopter C-FHHD, operated by Hayes Helicopter Services Limited, at Lake Errock, British Columbia, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the plain bearing in the main gearbox cover for the number 1 input pinion led to the in-flight fracture of the input pinion, which immediately caused the number 1 engine to overspeed and shut down. The number 2 engine was incapable of assuming the sudden load demand and did not produce its rated power.

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