A man who alleges that he was traumatized after flying in a Helijet helicopter that was struck by lightning is suing the Richmond-based carrier.
The October 2023 incident was covered widely in the media.
Helijet’s chopper landed safely in Victoria but plaintiff William Wuehr said in his notice of civil claim filed Aug. 11 that he “sustained psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression.”
He claimed that the lightning strike prompted a rapid descent toward the ocean for about one minute.
He is seeking an unspecified amount in damages.
Wuehr claimed that the pilot failed to properly monitor the weather prior to liftoff to ensure it was safe to fly.
“He failed to turn back or change course when he knew or ought to have known that the weather would pose a danger and/or risk to the aircraft and those on board,” Wuehr said.
Given this, Wuehr alleged that the pilot operated the aircraft “aggressively or recklessly,” adding that the pilot operated the craft in a “distracted manner.”
As a result of his alleged injuries, Wuehr claimed that he has suffered from, and will continue to suffer from symptoms such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and panic attacks, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, fatigue and a diminished confidence and interest in flying.
He added that he is also unable to participate in some activities that he enjoyed prior to the incident and that he enjoys life less.
BIV contacted Helijet and the carrier sent an email stating: “No comment from Helijet as this file is still under investigation with the TSB [federal Transportation Safety Board] and/or with the courts.”
Wuehr said that the helicopter left the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre en route to Victoria at about 9 a.m. on Oct. 24, 2023, and that he was one of about 12 passengers aboard.
“Suddenly the passengers noticed a bright flash of light and heard a loud bang,” the lawsuit said.
“The helicopter shook violently and rolled sideways, beginning a rapid spiral down towards the ocean from 1,280 metres above sea level.”
The pilot eventually regained control of the aircraft using the manual hydraulic system and proceeded to Victoria, Wuehr alleged.
Once on the ground, passengers were told that lightning had struck the rear rotor of the aircraft, which caused the electrical system to fail.
“Helijet is vicariously liable for the negligence of its employees, including the pilot,” Wuehr said.
None of the allegations has been tested in court.
