A Cougar Helicopters flight carrying eleven workers and two flight crew returned to base and landed safely after a suspected lightning strike last Friday.

C-NLOPB is reporting the incident today.

The company says Cougar Flight 881 was traveling at an altitude of 5000 feet when the flight crew heard a loud bang, followed by a flash of light.

The flight returned to St. John’s, escorted by a search and rescue team, and landed safely. There were no injuries.

All other helicopters operating that day were subsequently inspected for any evidence of a lightning strike, but no findings were noted.

Investigations into the incident have been launched by Cenovus and Cougar, and the C-NLOPB is monitoring it.