What happened
On March 5, 2021, a Bell 212 helicopter, registered as C-GNYI, was performing a utility flight to support a BC Hydro project. The aircraft departed from Sechelt Aerodrome, British Columbia, en route to Cypress Provincial Park in West Vancouver.
During the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft encountered wind shear. This weather event triggered a sudden right roll accompanied by a nose-down pitch. Following the initial turbulence, the number 2 engine suffered an uncommanded in-flight shutdown. The crew found the flight controls became extremely difficult to operate during this period.
While attempting to reach a chosen emergency landing site on Bowen Island, the pilots struggled with the degraded control of the aircraft. During the descent, the helicopter entered an uncontrollable rapid right rotation. The aircraft eventually struck trees and came to a stop on a rocky ridge, roughly 270 feet above sea level, on the northwest side of the island.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control, specifically examining the impact of the wind shear and the subsequent engine failure. Investigators looked into the mechanical state of the Bell 212 and the functionality of the flight controls following the engine shutdown. The investigation also confirmed that the emergency locator transmitter successfully alerted the Canadian Mission Control Centre in Trenton, Ontario.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered wind shear which caused an immediate and severe change in attitude.
- An uncommanded shutdown of the number 2 engine occurred following the encounter with turbulence.
- The crew sustained two serious injuries during the impact.
- The aircraft suffered substantial damage, though no fire occurred after the collision with the terrain.