Occurrence
On 05 March 2021, a Bell 212 helicopter (registration C-GNYI, serial number 30569) operated by Airspan Helicopters Ltd. was en route from Sechelt Aerodrome (CAP3), British Columbia, to Cypress Provincial Park in West Vancouver, British Columbia, in support of a BC Hydro project. The flight was crewed by two pilots.
At 0946 Pacific Standard Time, while in cruise flight, the helicopter encountered wind shear and experienced a sudden, dramatic right roll with a nose-down pitch. After the pilots regained control, the number 2 engine experienced an uncommanded in-flight shutdown, and the flight controls became very difficult to manipulate.
Emergency Landing and Collision
A location on nearby Bowen Island, British Columbia, was selected for an emergency landing. However, the helicopter remained difficult to control, and the pilots were unable to manoeuvre it to the desired landing area. During the descent, the helicopter began a rapid rotation to the right, which the pilots could not arrest. After several rotations, the helicopter collided with trees and came to rest on a rocky ridge approximately 270 feet above sea level on the northwest corner of Bowen Island.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was substantially damaged, but there was no post-impact fire. The emergency locator transmitter activated, and a signal was received by the Canadian Mission Control Centre in Trenton, Ontario.