EC25, en-route, 20nm east of Aberdeen UK, 2012

EC25, en-route, 20nm east of Aberdeen UK, 2012

Summary

On 10 May 2012, the crew of a Eurocopter EC225 LP on a flight from Aberdeen to an offshore platform received an indication that the main gearbox (MGB) lubrication system had failed. Shortly after selecting the emergency lubrication system, that also indicated failure and the crew responded in accordance with the QRH drill to “land immediately” by carrying out a successful controlled ditching. The ongoing investigation has found that there had been a mechanical failure of the MGB but that the emergency lubrication system had, contrary to indications, been functioning normally.

Description

On 10 May 2012, a Eurocopter EC225 making a 150nm passenger flight from Aberdeen to the Maersk Resilient Offshore Platform in the North Sea in day Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) was in the cruise at an altitude of 3000 feet with the AP engaged when there was a sudden warning of failure of the main gearbox (MGB) lubrication system and soon afterwards, another warning indicating failure of the emergency lubrication system. A controlled ditching was completed in benign conditions and, with the Emergency Flotation System functioning normally the 14 occupants evacuated into one of the life rafts. Two occupants sustained minor injuries whilst evacuating; six were subsequently rescued by a SAR helicopter and the remainder were transferred to a lifeboat.

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