AS32, en-route, near Peterhead Scotland UK, 2009

AS32, en-route, near Peterhead Scotland UK, 2009

Summary

On 1 April 2009, the flight crew of a Bond Helicopters Eurocopter AS332 L2 Super Puma en route from the Miller Offshore Platform to Aberdeen at an altitude of 2000 feet lost control of their helicopter when a sudden and catastrophic failure of the main rotor gearbox occurred and, within less than 20 seconds, the hub with the main rotor blades attached separated from the helicopter causing it to fall into the sea at a high vertical speed The impact destroyed the helicopter and all 16 occupants were killed. Seventeen Safety Recommendations were made as a result of the investigation.

Description

On 1 April 2009, a Eurocopter AS332 L2 Super Puma being operated by Bond Helicopters on a scheduled passenger flight from the Miller Offshore Platform to Aberdeen in the cruise at an altitude of 2000 feet in day Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) crashed into the sea after a sudden and complete loss of control caused by a major mechanical failure. The helicopter was destroyed and all 16 occupants were killed.

Location of the Miller platform, Source:UK AAIB Air Accident Report: 2/2011

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the UK AAIB. During the first four months of the work, two Interim Reports and one Special Bulletin were published to highlight critical airworthiness matters and present corresponding Safety Recommendations which prompted Manufacturer and Regulatory safety action.

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