What happened
On 6 April 2022, a Hughes Helicopters, Inc. 369D helicopter, registered as C-GJLC, was performing slinging operations approximately 25 nautical miles east-southeast of Port McNeill Aerodrome, British Columbia. The aircraft, operated by Kestrel Helicopters Ltd., was flying under visual flight rules with the pilot alone on board. During the mission, the pilot released a bundle of cedar blocks; however, immediately following this release, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. The pilot issued a distress call at 0909 Pacific Daylight Time, but the helicopter struck the ground only seconds later. A ground crew working alongside the pilot reached the crash site about 10 minutes after the impact. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the helicopter was destroyed by the impact.
The investigation
Following the accident, the 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter activated, alerting the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria. Search and rescue efforts involved a Canadian Armed Forces helicopter and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine and the sequence of events leading to the loss of power during the lifting operation.