What happened
On the night of 15 November 20 5, a Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopter, registered as C-GHHJ, was performing a medical evacuation flight from Vancouver International Airport to Tofino/Long Beach Airport. The aircraft was operated by Helijet International Inc. and was carrying two pilots and two paramedics.
During the visual approach to Runway 29, the flight crew transitioned from autopilot to manual flight at an altitude of 600 feet above sea level. As the aircraft was on short final, the airspeed dropped, leading to a high rate of descent and a decrease in rotor speed. The crew lost directional control of the helicopter, which descended to roughly 3 feet above the ground, approximately 67 feet below the airfield's elevation. The aircraft managed to re-establish control over a beach area. Although the pilots noted normal engine and drivetrain performance and attempted a second approach at 500 feet, they encountered further control difficulties before successfully landing. There were no injuries and no fire during the event.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight dynamics and the circumstances surrounding the loss of control during the night approach. Investigators examined the aircraft's performance during the period when airspeed decreased and rotor speed declined. The inquiry also looked into the visual conditions and the transition from autopilot to manual flight during the night visual flight rules operation.