A23P0136

The occurrence

On 24 October 2023, a Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter operated by Helijet International Inc. was conducting a flight from Vancouver Harbour Heliport, British Columbia (BC), to Victoria Harbour (Camel Point) Heliport, BC, with 2 flight crew members and 12 passengers on board. During cruise flight, the helicopter was struck by lightning and entered a rapid descent. The captain re-established straight and level flight after losing 3144 vertical feet. The flight crew continued the flight to Victoria and landed without incident.