EC25, vicinity ETAP Central offshore platform, North Sea UK

EC25, vicinity ETAP Central offshore platform, North Sea UK

Summary

On 18 February 2009, the crew of Eurocopter EC225 LP Super Puma attempting to make an approach to a North Sea offshore platform in poor visibility at night lost meaningful visual reference and a sea impact followed. All occupants escaped from the helicopter and were subsequently rescued. The investigation concluded that the accident probably occurred because of the effects of oculogravic and somatogravic illusions combined with both pilots being focused on the platform and not monitoring the flight instruments.

Description

On 18 February 2009, a Eurocopter EC225 LP Super Puma being operated by Bond Helicopters on a scheduled passenger flight from Aberdeen to the Eastern Trough Area Project (ETAP) Central Production Facility Platform. Whilst en route, weather conditions at the platform deteriorated such that Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) prevailed although there was some visual reference. A night visual approach was attempted during which the helicopter descended and impacted the surface of the sea. It remained upright in an estimated sea state 3 and all 18 occupants were able to evacuate into its liferafts prior to subsequent rescue. There were no injuries.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the UK AAIB. The combined CVFDR was recovered and successfully replayed, making a significant contribution to the available evidence. Two Special Bulletins were issued in early stages of the Investigation.

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