Pond Inlet (Aug 28/06) - A helicopter leased by the Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation suffered an accident upon landing on July 16. Three passengers and one bystander received minor injuries in the accident.

While trying to land in a tight space, the main rotor of the helicopter collided with some rocks.

"It did what we call a dynamic roll-over," said Jean-Marc Ledoux, regional manager for the Transport Safety Board of Canada.

"A dynamic roll-over is when the helicopter goes to the side and banks. It usually happens on take-off when a skid gets caught. It can also happen when you land," said Ledoux. In this case, the collision with the rocks caused the roll-over.

The Transport Safety Board determined this was a Class Five accident. There are five classes of helicopter accident, with one being the worst and five being the least serious.

"This is a typical helicopter accident," said Ledoux.

Baffinland rented the helicopter from Canadian Helicopter.

The company is exploring the Mary River iron ore deposits, south of Nanisivik and west of Pond Inlet.

Nunavut News/North was unable to contact Baffinland for comment prior to deadline.