Lightning Strikes Mid-Air, HeliJet Successfully Pulls Off Emergency Landing

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In a startling occurrence described as a “freak incident” by the company’s president, a commercial helicopter ferrying 14 individuals managed to carry out an uneventful landing in Victoria on Tuesday following a lightning strike. The bolt from the blue severely damaged the aircraft mid-flight over the southern Gulf Islands.

The HeliJet aircraft had embarked on its usual route from Vancouver’s harbour at approximately 9:11 a.m., crossing over from the B.C. mainland to Vancouver Island when it was hit by the lightning. CEO and president of HeliJet, Daniel Sitnam, explained the particulars of the situation.


The mid-air strike detached two of the helicopter’s four tail rotor blades while it was aloft roughly 1,280 meters (4,200 feet) over sea level. Nevertheless, the pilots managed to execute a precarious yet ultimately safe landing in Victoria. After landing, all the 12 passengers underwent medical evaluation before being allowed to leave. The two pilots also underwent medical assessments, both emerging physically unscathed, according to company reports.

In the aftermath of the incident, Sitnam commended his crew’s exceptional handling of the uncommon situation. Also a seasoned helicopter pilot himself, he views the event as an intense challenge for any crew member on board the aircraft. He can envision the flash of lightning, likened to a divine spectacle, followed by the loud bang.

What followed for the crew was reliance on their rigorous training and methodical management of the situation. Canada’s Transportation Safety Board has been informed and is currently acquiring data surrounding the incident.

The helicopter in question, a Sikorsky S-76, has been confined to the Victoria heliport. It will only be moved to the company’s facility at the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., after the safety board has given clearance.

The meteorological conditions for the Gulf Islands were far from usual that day, with Environment and Climate Change Canada issuing warnings about prevailing heavy rains and powerful winds. Nevertheless, a detailed investigation by HeliJet’s executive team yielded no reports of any lightning activity in the region before or after the reported strike.

Confounded by the extraordinary incident, Sitnam shared, “We have confirmed that there was no lightning activity in the area other than this unusual lightning strike that occurred on our flight.” Puzzled, he compared the event to a ‘needle-in-the-haystack’ scenario, which has left them searching for answers amidst an ocean of questions.