Sikorsky Sea King Specifications

s/n 4001

as/n 12401

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-179

Sikorsky

4001

From S/N 12401: With HS 50 at Shearwater shortly after Integration. Onboard HMCS Athabaskan in 1979, for visit to Dublin, Ireland. Operated from HMCS Annapolis, by 443 Squadron, during tour of Great Lakes in 1982. Converted to CH-124B. One of 6 CH-124B updated with HELTAS to CH-124B-2 standard early 1990s. Received nose mount for FLIR. Crashed on take-off from HMCS Iroquois (DDH-280), back onto the flight deck during an emergency recovery, after a single engine failure, on 27 Feb 2003. Rolled onto its starboard side, spilling its fuel tanks, plus 2200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Ship was 100km south east of Halifax NS, en route to the Arabian Sea for Operation Apollo. She returned to Halifax where the airframe was recovered by crane. Compressor stall suspected, but not confirmed. Rebuilt as a training aid, returned to CAF in December 2004. Retired to Shearwater Aviation Museum on 28 Jul 2018 and preserved in its original RCN colour scheme.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4002

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-189

Sikorsky

4002

Crashed while attempting a night radar approach to HMCS Bonaventure on 30 November 1967. Pilots Claire Tulley and Douglas Mander became distracted during radar vector approach, and descended into the water at about 90 knots. Pilots ejected through windshield and survived, but there were 2 fatalities in the rear cabin. First RCN Sea King crash and first fatalities.
last update: 2024-December-25

s/n 4003

as/n 12403

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-191

Sikorsky

4003

Used by VX 10, dates unknown. Operated from HMCS Assiniboine in 1964 while with VX 10, including VIP displays of Bear Trap system. Received SKIP upgrades c.1972, to became a CH-124A with s/n 12403. Served with HU 21 at Shearwater, dates unknown. Based at from CFB Shearwater, NS, with FLIR nose mount, in 1990s. Operated from HMCS Preserver in 1992/1993 during Operation Deliverance (Canadian Forces support for UN peace keeping efforts in Somalia). In long term storage at CFB Shearwater in spring of 2003.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4004

as/n 12404

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-219

Sikorsky

4004

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12404. With No. 443 Squadron at CFB Shearwater, NS. Visited Portsmouth, UK on 7 June 1980, onboard HMCS Protecteur. Onboard HMCS Annapolis and HMCS Fraser in 1983. Received "Gulf War" modifications for Operation Friction, 1991. Carried name "Persian Pig", probably during Gulf deployment. At IMP, for overhaul or in storage, in 1995. Rotor brake caught fire during shut down at CFB Shearwater, NS, on 19 July 1999. Caused by broken hydraulic line, spraying fluid on brake disc. Line had been incorrectly installed after earlier maintenance work. Fitted with nose FLIR installation. Took part in St. Thomas, Ontario air show June 2007.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4005

as/n 12405

m/d S-61 A

c/n 61-202

United Aircraft Canada

4005

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12405: Operated by 423 Squadron at CFB Shearwater, NS. Onboard HMCS Nipigon, 1982. Received "Gulf War" modifications for Operation Friction, 1991. Operated in UN mission to East Timor, Operation Toucan. With 406 (HT) Squadron, CFB Shearwater, 1999. Later with 443 Squadron. Seen on board HMCS Iroquois in November 2007. Took part in flypast for 100th anniversary of Canadian Navy at Halifax on 1 July 2010, painted in original RCN colours. As one of the last Sea Kings flying, it was flown to CFB Trenton on 20 Nov 2018 for preservation by the National Air Force Museum of Canada. Retired with 17,755 flying hours. On static display at USCG Station at San Francisco, California on 4 October 2012.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4006

as/n 12406

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-207

United Aircraft Canada

4006

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12406: With HS 50 at Shearwater when renumbered. With VT 406, 1983. Seen onboard HMCS Athabaskan in 1983. Received "Gulf War" modifications for Operation Friction, 1991. Carried name "Chicken Hawk", probably during Gulf deployment. On Board HMCS Montreal in Gulf of Oman in November 2002. On board HMCS Fredricton in November 2009. Took part in flypast for 100th anniversary of Canadian Navy at Halifax on 1 July 2010. Onboard HMCS Iroquois when it visited London, UK on 28 April 2013. Still onboard Iroquois when it visited Liverpool, UK on 24 May 2013, as part of Battle of the Atlantic Memorial.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4007

as/n 12407

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-213

United Aircraft Canada

4007

On board HMCS Bonaventure in May 1965, when the ship visited Portsmouth, UK. Operated by HS-50 at that time. Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12407: Visited Portsmouth, UK on 7 June 1980, onboard HMCS Protecteur. Onboard HMCS Saguenay in 1982. Deployed on HMCS Calgary. Repainted in original RCN colours to commemorate 25th anniversary of type in service on 02 August 1988. Received nose mount for FLIR. With 406 (HT) and 443 Squadrons, CFB Shearwater, 1999. On board HMCS Iroquois in the Mediterranean in October 2006.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4008

as/n 12408

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-218

United Aircraft Canada

4008

On board HMCS Bonaventure in May 1965, when the ship visited Portsmouth, UK. Operated by HS-50 at that time. Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12408: With 433 Squadron in 1982, VT 406 in 1983, all at CFB Shearwater, NS. Operated from HMCS Annapolis in 1982. With 433 Squadron in 1995. With 423 Squadron, CFB Shearwater, 1999. Towed to the Shearwater Aviation Museum for display, on 19 July 2013.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4009

as/n 12409

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-234

United Aircraft Canada

4009

On board HMCS Bonaventure in May 1965, when the ship visited Portsmouth, UK. Operated by HS-50 at that time. Became CAF CH-124A s/n 12409.
From s/n 12409: With 423 Squadron. Onboard HMCS Assiniboine, 1982. Ditched 4 November 1987 near CFB Shearwater. Recovered and became ground instruction airframe 910B from 3 April 1994, used at CFB Borden. Had been Canadian Forces 12409. Still there in 1995, when it was declared surplus. In fire training area at Borden by May 2006, still there in March 2012.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200 | 2005 233

s/n 4010

as/n 12410

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-245

United Aircraft Canada

4010

On board HMCS Bonaventure in May 1965, when the ship visited Portsmouth, UK. Operated by HS-50 at that time. Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12410: Reported by Rankin-Lowe and Cline as received "Gulf War" modifications for Operation Friction, 1991; and at CFB Shearwater in 1995. Reported as struck off on 7 January 1974, after crashing at Shearwater on 26 April 1973, in Griffin, Smith and Castle. Probably just damaged on that date. Operated from HMCS Preserver in 1992/1993 during Operation Deliverance (Canadian Forces support for UN peace keeping efforts in Somalia). Caught fire while being towed out of Hanger F at CFB Shearwater with electrical power on, 5 November 2003. Swift action by ground crew cleared aircraft from hangar and extinguished fire without extensive damage. Undergoing #4 Periodic Inspection at IMP, Halifax in spring of 2013. Participated in final Sea King formation flight by 443 Sqn before the fleet's retirement on 15 Dec 2018.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4011

as/n 12411

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-249

United Aircraft Canada

4011

Became CAF CH-124A s/n 12411: Visited King George V docks in Glasgow, Scotland in late 1970s, with 12422. Ditched 19 September 1989 into the Atlantic off Bermuda, being operated by HOTEF (Helicopter Operational Test and Evaluation Facility at CFB Shearwater) at the time. Believed to be with 406 Squadron at the time. Recovered and became ground instruction airframe at CFB Shearwater.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4012

as/n 12412

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-253

United Aircraft Canada

4012

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12412: Received "Gulf War" modifications for Operation Friction, 1991. Carried various names during Gulf deployment, including "Hormuz Harry", "Hormuz Humper", and "Ka-Blam Saddam". With 423 Squadron, CFB Shearwater, 1999. Also served with 443 Squadron. Seen at Vancouver International Airport, 11 December 2003. At Whistler, BC in January 2010, part of security forces for Winter Olympics. Took part in flypast for 100th anniversary of Canadian Navy at Halifax on 1 July 2010. On board HMCS Vancouver in fall of 2011. Made an emergancy landing next to grocery store parking lot in Bedford, NS on 22 November 2012, after a hydraulic warning. Active in Arabian Sea in 2103. Onboard HMCS Fredricton in June 2015.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4013

as/n 12413

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-256

United Aircraft Canada

4013

Used by HS 50. Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12413: Received "Gulf War" modifications, for Operation Friction, 1991. Carried name "Lucky Louie", probably during Gulf deployment. On board HMCS Preserver in February 2000. With 443 Squadron when it visited downtown Vancouver on 21 September 2004. Carried nose FLIR at that time. Still with No. 443 Squadron on west coast in 2005, and in 2010. On board HMCS Algonquin when it visited San Diego in October 2011.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4014

as/n 12414

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-260

United Aircraft Canada

4014

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12414: With 406 (HT) Squadron, CFB Shearwater, NS in 1983 and 1999. Used as water landing trainer in 1995 and 1999. Aircraft in this role can be recognized by yellow tape applied around access door seams on nose and lower fuselage. Rotor strike on rear fuselage during tight turn while taxiing at Shearwater, 16 June 1999. Category C damage resulted. With No. 443 Squadron, dates not known. At IMP Aerospace in Halifax in April 2008, probably for overhaul. With 12 Wing at CFB Shearwater in November 2012.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4015

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-264

United Aircraft Canada

4015

Operated on HMCS Nipigon in December 1966. Onboard HMCS Saguenay when lost on 24 June 1969. No. 2 engine fire light came on in sonar hover, engine overheated while transitioning to forward flight. Engine 2 was shut down and aircraft settled into water. Engine 1 failed while water taxiing, aircraft was abandoned without injuries. Captain of HMCS Saguenay was on board as passenger.
This CF serial number is reported in some sources, but was probably not marked before aircraft was struck off.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 200

s/n 4016

as/n 12416

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-282

United Aircraft Canada

4016

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12416.
From s/n 12416: With VT 406, dates not known. Operated from HMCS Athabaskan, 1977. Converted to CH-124B. Served with 443 Squadron, CFB Shearwater, NS. At IMP, for overhaul or storage, in 1995. Seen at London, Ontario air show in 1999. With 12 Wing at Shearwater in 2003. Took part in flypast for 100th anniversary of Canadian Navy at Halifax on 1 July 2010.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4017

as/n 12417

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-283

United Aircraft Canada

4017

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12417.
From s/n 12417: Operated from HMCS Saguenay, 1983. Received "Gulf War" modifications for Operation Friction, 1991. Carried name "Big Bird", probably during Gulf detachment. With 423 Squadron, CFB Shearwater, 1999. Took part in 2005 Abbotsford air show. With 443 Squadron at CFB Comox in November 2005. Forced landing in field near Lower Sackville, NS at 20:00 on 10 August 2010, following hydraulic problems. Loose hose fitting repaired on site, flown out to CFB Shearwater next morning.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4018

as/n 12418

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-284

United Aircraft Canada

4018

Seen at US Coast Guard facility at San Juan, Puerto Rico, while exercising with NATO forces on February 16, 1967, coded "18".
From s/n 12418:
Converted to utility configuration, no change in designation, but unofficially known as a CH-124U. Later received SKIP upgrades to become a CH-124A. With HS 50 when it ditched on 26 April 1973. Partially recovered?
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4019

as/n 12419

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-285

United Aircraft Canada

4019

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12419.
From s/n 12419: Converted to utility configuration, no change in designation, but unofficially known as a CH-124U. Later received SKIP upgrades, to become a CH-124A. Served with VT 406, dates not known. Category C damage on 4 May 1999 at CFB Shearwater, NS. Non-standard engine start procedure resulted in rotor brake slipping while rotors were still folded, main rotors struck tail rotor and tail boom. Sustained Category D damage on 27 Aug 2003, while serving with 443 Squadron out of Patricia Bay, BC, while in the Straits of Hormuz with HMCS Calgary. Helicopter was performing a series of rotor smoothing maintenance flights, when the main rotor contacted an antenna on HMCS Calgary. Recovered on ship without further damage. Crew fatigue and dehydration cited in official report, and "it was found that certain orders governing low-level flight operations in the Maritime Helicopter (MH) community are not clear, consistent, or practical."
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4020

as/n 12420

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-286

United Aircraft Canada

4020

Operated by HS-50 onboard HMCS Bonaventure in 1969.
From s/n 12420: Crashed and sank on 7 or 8 November 1971. Had been operating from HMCS Nipigon. Engine failure shortly after takeoff at night. Attempted to return on board, low rotor RPM led to loss of control and crash. 3 fatalities. Recovered, not repairable. This accident led to a fleet wide power upgrade, new low rotor RPM warning system, and changes in fuel loads for normal operations.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4021

as/n 12421

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-287

United Aircraft Canada

4021

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12421.
From s/n 12421: With 423 Squadron at CFB Shearwater, NS in 1982. Converted to CH-124C. Operated by Helicopter Operational Test and Evaluation Facility, CFB Shearwater, N.S, for trials including door gun firing. Rotated through regular squadron use when not involved in testing. With 406 (HT) Squadron, CFB Shearwater, 1999. Also known as CH-124A(OT&E), both this and CH-124C designation appear to be official. Onboard HMCS Calgary in July 2010 for Rimpac exercise. With 443 Squadron at Victoria International Airport in 2010. With 12 Wing at CFB Shearwater in November 2012. On board HMCS St. Johns when it visited Cork, Ireland in April 2013. Onboard HMCS Winnipeg in fall of 2015.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4022

as/n 12422

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-288

United Aircraft Canada

4022

Deployed to the Arctic aboard HMCS Preserver in the summer of 1971. Damaged accessory drive on one engine after landing beside Robertson River on Ellesmere Island in September 1971, returned to Preserver on single engine after stripping equipment from the cabin.
From s/n 12422: With VT 406 and 423 Squadron, CFB Shearwater, NS, dates not known. Visited King George V docks in Glasgow, Scotland in late 1970s, with 12411. Operated from HMCS Margaree in 1983. On board HMCS St. Johns when it visited London, UK on 4 December 1997. Ditched 150 NM South of Honolulu, Hawaii on 23 June 2000. Was operating off HMCS Protecteur when main gear box over temp light illuminated. Crew attempted to return to ship, significant pressure fluctuations, strong welding-like metallic odours and radiant heat from the MGB developed, leading to decision to ditch. Aircraft floated long enough for all crew to exit without injury, then sank.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4023

as/n 12423

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-289

United Aircraft Canada

4023

From s/n 12423: With 443 Squadron and later 423 Squadron, CFB Shearwater, NS, in 1980s. Visited UK in December 1991, onboard HMCS Nipigon. Ditched on 27 February 1993 off west coast of Florida, still with 423 Squadron then. Recovered 1 May 1993, not repairable. This was the squadron "flag aircraft", and its loss caused much grief within the unit. Wreckage reported still stored at NAS Pensacola, Florida as late as October 1993.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4024

as/n 12424

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-290

United Aircraft Canada

4024

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12424.
From s/n 12424: With 423 Squadron, dates unknown. Operated from HMCS Algonquin during exercises of Norway in 1982. Converted to CH-124B. One of 6 CH-124B updated with HELTAS to CH-124B-2 standard early 1990s. With 443 Squadron in 1995. At Abbotsford air show, August 2004. Scheduled for conversion to troop transport during 2006, to support the new Standing Contingency Task Force (SCTF). Modification will include removal of HELTAS and other ASW gear, installation of seats, and upgrades to communications and self-defense gear. All conversions to be completed in November/ December 2006. These aircraft may be operated by the new Special Forces squadron, announced by CF in late 2005. Onboard HMCS Charlottetown in the Mediterranean in April 2011, as part of the UN actions in Libya. On static display at Abbotsford air show in August 2015, with 443 Squadron.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4025

as/n 12425

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-324

United Aircraft Canada

4025

From s/n 12425: VT 406, CFB Shearwater, NS, in 1982. Converted to utility configuration, no change in designation, but unofficially known as a CH-124U. Later received SKIP upgrades, to become a CH-124A. Also reported as crashed in July 1993, apparently repaired. Caught fire in flight due to chafed fuel line on 28 April 1994, destroyed. Crashed south-east of St. John, NB. Maj. R.R. Henderson, MB, MSM, CD and Maj. W.C. Sweetman, CD killed. Maj. W. Norris died on 22 December 2002, possibly related to injuries received in this crash. Wreckage still in storage in 1995, for accident investigation.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4026

as/n 12426

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-328

United Aircraft Canada

4026

Delivered to Shearwater on 27 June 1966, for use by HS 50. Redesignated CAF CH-124 on 27 July 1970.
From s/n 12426: Upgraded to CH-124A as part of the SKIP program in late 1970s or early 1980s. With 443 Squadron, CFB Shearwater, NS in 1980s. Operated from HMCS Athabaskan in 1983. Visited Portsmouth, England onboard HMCS Algonquin, 1 April 1984. Received Gulf War modifications for Operation Friction, 1991. Retained in Canada for trials during Gulf war. This was the only Operation Friction modified helicopter that did not receive a name and nose art. At CFB Shearwater, NS in 1995. Also with 423 Squadron, dates not known. With 443 Squadron at Victoria International Airport in 2010.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4027

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-330

United Aircraft Canada

4027

Crashed on 22 February 1968. Lost one engine in sonar hover, landed successfully. Pilot elected to attempt single engine takeoff, several failed attempts led to second engine failure. Flotation bags deployed, one bag failed to inflate and aircraft tipped over and sank. All crew members rescued. Aircraft recovered onboard HMCS Bonaventure, but later written off due to salt water corrosion.
No record as s/n 12427; s/n change date was entered in error.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 200

s/n 4028

as/n 12428

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-332

United Aircraft Canada

4028

On board HMCS Cape Scott for exercise Maple Spring 67 in 1967. Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12428.
From s/n 12428: With 443 Squadron at CFB Shearwater, NS. At IMP, for overhaul or storage, in 1995. Onboard HMCS Ville de Québec, 2004. With 12 Wing at CFB Shearwater in August 2009. Onboard HMCS Toronto in summer of 2009. Detached ashore to Odiham, UK in October 2015, while HMCS Athabaskan had major engine repair work performed at Portsmouth. 2022 on display NDHQ carling Campus in Ottawa.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4029

as/n 12429

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-334

United Aircraft Canada

4029

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12429.
From s/n 12429: Operated by 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, CFB Shearwater, NS. Also with 423 Squadron, CFB Shearwater, for detachments on HMCS Huron (date unknown) and on HMCS Athabaskan in 1983. With 443 Squadron in 1995. On display at CNE air show, Toronto, Ontario, September 1996. Onboard HMCS Iroquois when it visited London, UK on 14 November 1999. Detached ashore to Odiham, UK in October 2015, while HMCS Athabaskan had major engine repair work performed at Portsmouth.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4030

as/n 12430

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-336

United Aircraft Canada

4030

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12430.
From s/n 12430: With 423 Squadron at CFB Shearwater, dates not known. Converted to CH-124B. One of 6 CH-124B updated with HELTAS to CH-124B-2 standard early 1990s. At CFB Shearwater, NS in 1995. Took part in Canadian National Exhibition air show, at Toronto, in 2005. With 443 Squadron at CFB Comox in November 2005. Converted to troop transport during 2006, to support the new Standing Contingency Task Force (SCTF). Operated as troop carrier from USS Gunston Hall with Royal 22e Regiment in Halifax harbour, November 2006. To Haiti for relief operations in January and February 2010, operating from HMCS Athabaskan.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4031

as/n 12431

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-338

United Aircraft Canada

4031

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12431.
From s/n 12431: With 423 Squadron at CFB Shearwater, 1983. Later with 443 Squadron. At CFB Shearwater, NS in 1995. Operated in UN mission to East Timor, Operation Toucan.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 200

s/n 4032

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-340

United Aircraft Canada

4032

From s/n 12432: With 406 (HT) Squadron, CFB Shearwater when it crashed at Shearwater on 15 November 1972 during a post maintenance check flight. Lost tail rotor control due to exceeding cross wind limits in the hover, resulting in tail rotor buzz.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 201

s/n 4033

as/n 12433

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-342

United Aircraft Canada

4033

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12433.
From s/n 12433: With HS 50 at Shearwaterwhen renumbered. With 406 (HT) Squadron, CFB Shearwater, dates unknown. With 443 Squadron in 1995. With 423 Squadron at CFB Shearwater, NS in January 2005. Seen at Calgary, Alberta in 2010. With 443 Squadron at Victoria International Airport in 2010.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 130 | 2005 201

s/n 4034

as/n 12434

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-344

United Aircraft Canada

4034

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12434.
From s/n 12434: With VT 406, dates not known. Visited Stockholm, Sweden, 18 May 1981. With 423 Squadron, 1983. Converted to CH-124B. One of 6 CH-124B updated with HELTAS to CH-124B-2 standard early 1990s. Received nose mount for FLIR. Seen at Millville, NJ, in May 2003. On board HMCS Montreal in August 2004, part of Exercise Narwhal at Cumberland Peninsula, Baffin Island. Scheduled for conversion to troop transport during 2006, to support the new Standing Contingency Task Force (SCTF). With 443 Squadron at Victoria International Airport in 2010.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 131 | 2005 201

s/n 4035

as/n 12435

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-345

United Aircraft Canada

4035

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12435.
From s/n 12435: Visited Europe in late 1970s, on board unknown ship. Visited Portsmouth, England onboard HMCS Algonquin, 1 April 1984. Received nose mount for FLIR by mid 1990s. At CFB Shearwater, NS in 1995. With HS 443 in 1997. Also with N423 Squadron, dates not known. Onboard HMCS Athabaskan when it visited Liverpool, UK in April 2011. With 12 Wing at CFB Shearwater in November 2012. Aircraft severly damaged when it tipped forward while being hot refueled at night at Shearwater on 15 July 2013. Main rotors contacted ground, tail boom severed by main rotors, left sponson driven up alongside fuselage. Aircraft to be scrapped. Investigation reported that misuse of collective friction lock resulted in collective creeping up, or possibly being accidently moved up by unintended contact with moving pilot, while switching flight deck crews during hot refueling.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 131 | 2005 201

s/n 4036

as/n 12436

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-347

United Aircraft Canada

4036

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12436.
From s/n 12436: With 423 Squadron, dates not known. With 443 Squadron, CFB Shearwater, NS, dates not known. With 443 Squadron at CFB Comox in 1995 and in November 2005. On board HMCS Winnipeg in Gulf of Oman in July 2005. Reported to be from HMCS Ville de Quebec when it took part in 2009 Canadian National Air Show at Toronto, September 2009. Flown by HRH Prince William during an ASR demonstration at Dalvay-by-the-Sea, PEI on 4 July 2011, including water landings in Dalvay Lake.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 131 | 2005 201

s/n 4037

as/n 12437

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-380

United Aircraft Canada

4037

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12437.
From s/n 12437: With 423 and 443 Squadrons, CFB Shearwater, NS, dates not known. Onboard HMCS Huron in 1982. Onboard HMCS Fraser, Athabaskan and Protecteur in 1983. Converted to CH-124B. One of 6 CH-124B updated with HELTAS to CH-124B-2 standard early 1990s. At CFB Shearwater, NS in 1995. With 423 Squadron at this base in 2006. Scheduled for conversion to troop transport during 2006, to support the new Standing Contingency Task Force (SCTF). On display at Halifax harbour for Navy Day, June 2009. On display at Abbotsford, BC air show, August 2007, from 443 Squadron at Patricia Bay, BC. Transported from Greenwood to Vancouver inside a CC-177 in November 2009, to provide security support for Winter Olympics near Vancouver. Fitted with nose FLIR mount by then. On display at Fleet Fly In at NAS Whiting in October 2011.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 131 | 2005 201

s/n 4038

as/n 12438

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-381

United Aircraft Canada

4038

Served with VX 10. Redesignated CH-124 on 27 July 1970. Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12438.
From s/n 12438: Converted to CH-124A in 1975/1976, as a result of SKIP upgrade. With 423 Squadron, 1983, while onboard HMCS Skeena. Converted to Operation Friction configuration 1991, no change in designation. Operated from HMCS Preserver in 1992/1993 during Operation Deliverance (Canadian Forces support for UN peace keeping efforts in Somalia), with nose FLIR mount. At CFB Shearwater in 1995. Crashed in North Sea on 2 February 2006, 18:34 UTC, in open water, at the Kattegat, NW of the island of Anholt, Denmark, while operating from HMCS Athabaska in NATO exercise. Ship was assigned to Standing NATO Maritime Group 1. Tail rotor struck water during flare while attempting night landing on board. Had been waved off previously, apprently due to problems on ship deck. Sank in 16 metres of water, all crew recovered by boat from HMCS Athabaska. Hoisted to surface next day, taken to harbour of Aarhus, Denmark on barge. Declared Category A damage, probably will be not be repaired. Final report stated that pilot became disoriented and lost visual and situational awareness. Also stated that low fleet servicability had resulted in decreased flight crew training. Hulk transferred by truck to CFB Wainwright, Alberta, where it is used as a Mass Casualty Training aid. Left Shearwater on 6 September 2007. Struck off as an aircraft by then?
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 131 | 2005 201

s/n 4039

as/n 12439

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-382

United Aircraft Canada

4039

From s/n 12439: With VT 406, CFB Shearwater, NS, in 1982. Still with this unit when it crashed on 4 August 1991 at air show in Schenectady, New York. Aircraft approached landing from a high hover, and apparently entered ring vortex state during descent, resulting in sudden and large increase in sink rate close to the ground. Originally classified as Category B (repairable), but re-classified as Category A on 21 August 1991. To Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton on 25 August 1991.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 131 | 2005 201

s/n 4040

as/n 12440

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-384

United Aircraft Canada

4040

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12440.
From s/n 12440: With HS 50 at Shearwater when renumbered. Special paint scheme to commemorate 75th anniversary of 12th Air Maintenance Squadron, CFB Shearwater. With 406 (HT) Squadron, CFB Shearwater. Received nose mount for FLIR. Onboard HMCS Ville de Quebec 23 September 2005, for NATO exercises in Baltic Sea. Still operating in North Sea on 7 October 2005. Seviceability problems during later visit to the UK, diverted to Stornoway for repairs. May have been on HMCS Halifax at that time? Still with NATO group in March 2006, when it visited Woensdrecht, Holland. Seen at De Kooy, Holland on 18 to 23 March 2006, reportedly off HMCS Athabaskan. Still on board HMCS Athabaskan in June 2006. Category C damage on 1 March 2008 at Victoria, BC. Main rotor turned inadvertantly during ground run, strike tail rotor blades. With 443 Squadron at Victoria International Airport in 2010. Took part in Hamilton air show, June 2011.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 131 | 2005 201

s/n 4041

as/n 12441

m/d S-61A

c/n 61-384

United Aircraft Canada

4041

Became CAF CH-124 s/n 12441.
From s/n 12441: With 423 Squadron at CFB Shearwater, NS, 1982. With 443 Squadron, onboard HMCS Athabaskan, in 1983. Converted to CH-124B. One of 6 CH-124B updated with HELTAS to CH-124B-2 standard early 1990s. Still with 423 Squadron, CFB Shearwater, in 1999. Scheduled for conversion to troop transport during 2006, to support the new Standing Contingency Task Force (SCTF). Based at Squamish Municipal Airport in fall of 2009, as part of security force for 2010 Winter Olympics.
last update: 2025-February-05 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 2005 131 | 2005 201