Nov. 5, 2009 (United Press International) -- The only man to survive a March helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean off Newfoundland that killed 17 others recounted his survival Thursday.

Robert Decker, 28, told an inquiry into offshore safety in St. John's he believes it was "just luck" he escaped the sinking Sikorsky (NYSE:UTX) S-92 helicopter transporting offshore oil workers March 12, Canwest News Service reported.

Decker said the pilots advised the passengers they were turning back because of a major technical problem caused by lost oil pressure in the main gearbox. The pilots told everyone to secure their survival suits.

He said just seconds before hitting the water, the pilots yelled "Ditching" three times.

Decker told the inquiry the helicopter was sinking sideways when he undid his seat belt and swam out through a broken window.

He said he bobbed in rough and frigid waters before a search helicopter spotted him. He was too cold to climb into the rescue basket and a rescuer was lowered to help him in, Canwest said.

Decker said he will never fly offshore again.