7.2°C Vancouver

Dec 16, 2021 8:17 PM - The Canadian Press

Cracks now found in 21 of the Canadian military's 23 Cyclone helicopters

Share On
cracks-now-found-in-21-of-the-canadian-militarys-23-cyclone-helicopters
The Canadian military confirmed today that 21 of its 23 Cyclone helicopters have cracks in their tails. (Photo - Royal Canadian Air force/Twitter)

The Canadian military confirmed today that 21 of its 23 Cyclone helicopters have cracks in their tails.

Cracks were first detected in one of the maritime helicopters during a routine inspection on Nov. 26 at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at Patricia Bay, B.C.

By Dec. 5, the Air Force said it had discovered damage in the same general area on a total of 19 helicopters.

At the time, the military said two Cyclones did not appear to have any tail defects, and the remaining two in the fleet were receiving longer-term maintenance and would be inspected at a later date.

As of today, cracks on six of the Sikorsky-made aircraft have been repaired and four others are still in the shop.

Meanwhile, one of the damaged helicopters was to be flown from the deck of the frigate HMCS Winnipeg to Patricia Bay, which is north of Victoria.

Latest news

northern-mla-sheldon-clare-enters-race-for-b-c-conservative-leadership
BCJan 09, 2026

Northern MLA Sheldon Clare enters race for B.C. Conservative leadership

B.C. Conservative MLA Sheldon Clare has announced he is seeking the party’s leadership, saying he wants to prevent former members of the provincial Liberals from reshaping the party’s direction. Clare, who represents Prince George–North Cariboo, said he has observed what he described as growing pressure from former B.C. Liberal figures to gain influence within the Conservatives. He argued that approach reflects a political model he believes has already failed in the province and does not align with the party’s principles. In outlining his reasons for running, Clare said he wants to ens
chrystia-freeland-formally-resigns-as-mp-triggering-toronto-byelection
CanadaJan 09, 2026

Chrystia Freeland formally resigns as MP, triggering Toronto byelection

Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from the House of Commons takes effect today, ending more than a decade representing the Toronto riding of University–Rosedale. Freeland is leaving federal politics to take on a voluntary advisory role with the Ukrainian government focused on economic development. Her departure reduces the Liberal caucus to 170 seats, leaving Prime Minister Mark Carney two seats short of a majority in the 338 seat House of Commons. Opposition parties collectively now hold 172 seats, including 142 Conservatives, 22 Bloc Québécois MPs, seven New Democ
surrey-police-issue-five-excessive-speeding-tickets-in-one-morning-most-in-construction-zones
CanadaJan 08, 2026

Surrey police issue five excessive speeding tickets in one morning, most in construction zones

Surrey Police Service officers issued five excessive speeding tickets during a single morning of enforcement this week, with the majority occurring in active construction zones, according to police. Road Safety Unit officers conducted targeted enforcement on January 7, focusing on areas where road work was underway. Police say four of the five tickets were issued in construction zones, including one case where a driver was allegedly travelling at 102 kilometres per hour in a posted 30 kilometre per hour zone. Police say speeding remains one of the leading causes of serious crashes, and constru
atmospheric-river-expected-to-bring-heavy-rain-snow-and-strong-winds-to-b-c-s-north-coast
BCJan 08, 2026

Atmospheric river expected to bring heavy rain, snow and strong winds to B.C.’s north coast

An incoming atmospheric river is expected to bring significant rain, snow and high winds to British Columbia’s north coast, prompting multiple weather warnings from Environment Canada. Forecasters say coastal communities including Prince Rupert, Terrace and Kitimat could receive up to 100 millimetres of rain beginning late Thursday and continuing into Saturday morning. The rainfall raises concerns about localized flooding, particularly in low-lying and drainage-prone areas. Inland travel routes are also expected to be affected. Environment Canada warns that sections of major highways could s
rcmp-investigate-early-morning-shooting-in-langley-township
BCJan 08, 2026

RCMP investigate early-morning shooting in Langley Township

Mounties are investigating a report of shots fired in Langley Township early Thursday, though police say there are no reports of injuries and no ongoing risk to the public. Langley RCMP say officers were called to the area of 232 Street near 69 Avenue shortly after 5 a.m. following multiple reports of gunfire. Police secured the area while investigators worked to gather evidence and speak with potential witnesses. Authorities have not confirmed whether the shooting was targeted, nor whether it may be connected to a recent series of extortion-related incidents reported across parts of Metro Van

Related News