Sikorsky, an American helicopter manufacturer, has reached a confidential settlement with the families of six Canadian military members killed in a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter crash off the coast of Greece five years ago (April 2020). The families sued Sikorsky in 2023, alleging gross negligence in the helicopter's design, specifically that its electric flight control system overrode pilot commands. While Sikorsky disputed responsibility, an agreement was reached after two mediations, with the settlement amount remaining confidential pending court approval. This crash marked Canada's biggest single-day military loss since the Afghan war.
U.S. helicopter maker settles with families of 6 Canadian military members killed in crash
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Sikorsky, an American helicopter manufacturer, has reached a confidential settlement with the families of six Canadian military members killed in a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter crash off the coast of Greece five years ago (April 2020). The families sued Sikorsky in 2023, alleging gross negligence in the helicopter's design, specifically that its electric flight control system overrode pilot commands. While Sikorsky disputed responsibility, an agreement was reached after two mediations, with the settlement amount remaining confidential pending court approval. This crash marked Canada's biggest single-day military loss since the Afghan war.
Trending- 1 April 2020: CH-148 Cyclone helicopter crashed off the coast of Greece.
- 2 2023: Families sued Sikorsky.
- 3 April 23, 2025: A full-day mediation session led to an agreement in principle.
- 4 June 27, 2025: Victims' families requested U.S. federal court approval for the settlement.
- Financial compensation for victims' families (confidential amount)
- Resolution of a major lawsuit
- Acknowledgment of helicopter design issues
What: Sikorsky, a U.S. helicopter manufacturer, reached a confidential settlement with the families of six Canadian military members killed in a helicopter crash.
When: The settlement was reached recently, with a request for court approval on June 27, 2025. The crash occurred in April 2020. The lawsuit was filed in 2023. A full-day mediation session occurred on April 23, 2025.
Where: Off the coast of Greece (Ionian Sea). The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The victims were based at Shearwater air force base in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Why: The CH-148 Cyclone helicopter crashed because its autopilot took control during a low-altitude manoeuvre. The families alleged Sikorsky was grossly negligent in the helicopter's design and failed to warn of potential dangers. Sikorsky argued that the Canadian Armed Forces conducted testing and that the pilots performed an unapproved manoeuvre.
How: Through a confidential settlement agreement reached after two mediations and nearly two years of contested litigation.