Hughes 369HS Helicopter Crash in Manitoba

Incident Overview and Casualties On the day of the occurrence, a Hughes 369HS helicopter operated by Yukon Helicopters Ltd. was conducting air taxi operations near St. Theresa Point, Manitoba. The aircraft, identified by serial number 310308S, was flying a short route from the Waasagomach Band Office back to St. Theresa Point. After loading four passengers, the pilot took off and climbed to approximately 500 feet above ground level. Ground observers reported hearing unusual engine sounds and watching the helicopter slow and descend about a quarter-mile from the Band Office. As the aircraft approached tree-top height over a frozen lake, the tail dropped rapidly and the helicopter tilted to its left side. The aircraft struck the ice surface left-side first, bounced into the air, and had its main rotor blades sever the tail rotor and tail boom assembly. The helicopter then turned 180 degrees and slid to rest. The pilot and two passengers were killed, while two other passengers sustained serious injuries. The accident occurred at approximately 1100 in daylight at an elevation of 740 feet above sea level.