Incident Disclosure 2025

Helicopter Return to Base

January 8, 2025

On January 3, 2025, Cenovus Energy reported to the C-NLOPB that Cougar Helicopters Flight 881, carrying 11 offshore workers and two flight crew, returned to base and landed safely after a suspected lightning strike.

The aircraft was at an altitude of about 5000 feet when flight crew heard a loud bang, which was followed by a flash of light.

Escorted by Search and Rescue, Flight 881 returned to St. John’s and landed safely. Passengers were debriefed after landing. There were no injuries.

All other helicopters that operated in the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area on January 3, 2025 were also subsequently inspected for any evidence of a lightning strike. There were no findings noted during those inspections.

Cenovus Energy and Cougar Helicopters have initiated an investigation into the incident, which the C-NLOPB is monitoring.

Media Contacts:

Cenovus Energy
Colleen McConnell
(709) 724-3504
Colleen.McConnell@huskyenergy.com

C-NLOPB
Lesley Rideout
Director, Communications and Public Engagement
(709) 725-2900
lrideout@cnlopb.ca


Incident Disclosures 2025

DateUpdate
Jan 9, 2025Dropped Object on the Hebron Platform
Jan 8, 2025Helicopter Return to Base