Flight control system malfunction : Columbia Helicopters, Boeing Vertol BV-234 (Helicopter) C-FHFH, Comox Lake, British Columbia, 30 October 1997.

Bureau de la securite des transports du Canada--Head of title

The Boeing Vertol BV-234 helicopter (serial number MJ001), with two pilots on board, was engaged in heli-logging operations in the Comox Lake area on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. At 1615 Pacific standard time, ground personel attached a log, estimated to have weighed 16,000 pounds, to the hook at the end of the 250-foot long-line suspended below the helicopter. The helicopter had lifted the log two-thirds of the way off the steep terrain, with one end still in contact with the ground, when it commenced a rapid right turn. In the next 5 to 10 seconds, the helicopter continued to turn rapidly to the right several times, travelled laterally, then descended in a nearly-level attitude and struck the ground. The helicopter broke up at impact and the two pilots suffered fatal injuries; there was limited post-accident fire.