What happened
On the morning of 24 October 2023, a Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter, registered as C-GXHJ, departed from Vancouver Harbour Heliport (CBC7) in British Columbia. The aircraft was operating under instrument flight rules toward Victoria Harbour (Camel Point) Heliport (CBF7) with a total of 14 people on board, consisting of 2 flight crew members and 12 passengers.
While cruising at an altitude of 4,000 feet above sea level, the aircraft was struck by lightning. This impact triggered an uncontrolled and rapid descent. During the event, the helicopter lost 3,144 feet of altitude. The captain was able to regain control and re-establish straight and level flight. The crew proceeded to the destination at CBF7, where the aircraft landed without further complications. There were no injuries reported, though the helicopter sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
The TSB examined the sequence of events following the lightning strike and the subsequent loss of altitude. The investigation focused on the impact of the electrical discharge on the aircraft's flight stability and the crew's ability to recover the aircraft.