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Sikorsky requests S-92 grounding
Sikorsky has requested worldwide operators of its S-92 helicopter to ground their fleets over gearbox safety concerns.
It follows the loss of a Cougar Helicopters S-92 on March 12 in which 17 people were killed when the aircraft crashed into the North Atlantic off Newfoundland.
Reports from Canada say that on Friday, March 20, investigators looking into the accident found a damaged part in the gearbox of the crashed aircraft that could have contributed to the accident.
The component, a main gearbox filter bowl assembly mounting stud, was recently the subject of a alert service bulletin that called for the titanium studs to be replaced with steel mounting studs within 1250 hours of flight time or within a year of the alert, whichever came first.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said it expected the US Federal Aviation Authority to issue an emergency Airworthiness Directive, but an AD had not been published at the time of writing.
CHC, who are largest operator of the S-92, said they had been instructed by Sikorsky to ground the type "pending an urgent modification to the S92 fleet". This also includes the four S-92s being operated by CHC on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) out of Shetland and Stornoway.
The company said: "CHC can confirm it has been informed by manufacturer Sikorsky to undertake urgent modification work to its fleet of S92 aircraft prior to any further flying activity.
"In the UK this involves one Aberdeen-based aircraft deployed for offshore transportation, and four search and rescue (SAR) aircraft based at Stornoway and Sumburgh and operated on behalf of the MCA.
"CHC has liaised closely with the MCA to co-ordinate contingency cover for SAR operations meantime from Royal Navy and RAF bases as well as offshore-based SAR operations.
"CHC is working in close co-operation with the manufacturer and regulatory bodies to complete this work and resume SAR operations at the earliest opportunity.
"This requirement affects all S92s operated globally and is not unique to CHC."
The MCA have reported said they are working closely with the Ministry of Defence to provide emergency Search and Rescue cover with RAF and Royal Navy Sea Kings.
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