AS3B, en-route, northern North Sea UK, 2008

AS3B, en-route, northern North Sea UK, 2008

Summary

On 22 February 2008, a Eurocopter AS332 L2 Super Puma flying from an offshore oil platform to Aberdeen was struck by lightning. There was no apparent consequence and so, although this event required a landing as soon as possible, the commander decided to continue the remaining 165nm to the planned destination which was achieved uneventfully. Main rotor blade damage including some beyond repairable limits was subsequently discovered. The Investigation noted evidence indicating that this helicopter type had a relatively high propensity to sustain lightning strikes but noted that, despite the risk of damage, there was currently no adverse safety trend.

Description

On 22 February 2008, a Eurocopter AS332 L2 Super Puma being operated on a day passenger flight from the Bruce Offshore Oil Platform to Aberdeen was transiting a squall line in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) at the cruise altitude of 2000 feet when it was struck by lightning. There was no loss of systems or indication of any other adverse effect and the flight was completed as planned with no subsequent consequences for the operation of the helicopter or its 17 occupants. Significant main rotor blade damage was found during post flight inspection.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the UK AAIB. It was established that the aircraft had encountered a line of rain showers across the intended track and had selected a crossing point which had appeared to offer the shortest transit and avoided weather radar red returns. Soon after beginning the transit, both pilots saw “a bright flash at the rotor tip in the one o’clock position, accompanied by a ‘bang’ or ‘pop’ sound”.

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