Sikorsky S-61N Heli-Logging Accident at Stave Lake

Incident Overview and Flight Sequence On 1415 Pacific daylight time, a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter, serial number 61748, departed from the Stave Lake airstrip in British Columbia to resume heli-logging operations approximately two nautical miles from the departure point. The aircraft had previously completed 6.5 hours of incident-free operations that day before returning to the service pad at 1345 for maintenance, refuelling, and crew relief. During the return flight, the helicopter experienced an uncommanded nose-down attitude change while manoeuvring over the logging area. The pilot, flying from the left seat, was initially unable to counteract the pitch change with rearward cyclic control, though the control returned seconds later. A second approach from a different direction produced the same result, leading the crew to assess significant flight control problems and decide to return to the airstrip for a running landing. The helicopter approached the intended landing site with a slight nose-up attitude, at a ground speed of 10 to 15 knots, and about 10 feet above the ground. When the pilot began to level the helicopter, the nose pitched down quickly. Despite applying collective pitch and rearward cyclic, the helicopter descended nose-down into the trees at the end of the airstrip and rolled over, coming to rest on its left side. The pilot was seriously injured, and the co-pilot was fatally injured. There was no fire, and the helicopter was substantially damaged.