S92, West Franklin Wellhead Platform North Sea, 2016
S92, West Franklin Wellhead Platform North Sea, 2016
Summary
On 28 December 2016, yaw control was lost during touchdown of a Sikorsky S92A landing on a North Sea offshore platform and it almost fell into the sea. The Investigation found that the loss of control was attributable to the failure of the Tail Rotor Pitch Change Shaft bearing which precipitated damage to the associated control servo. It was also found that despite HUMS monitoring being in place, it had been ineffective in proactively alerting the operator to the earlier stages of progressive bearing deterioration which could have ensured the helicopter was grounded for rectification before the accident occurred.
Description
On 28 December 2016 a Sikorsky S92A (G-WNSR) being operated by CHC Scotia on a contracted North Sea offshore passenger transport flight from the Elgin Process Utilities Quarters (PUQ) platform to the West Franklin wellhead platform failed to complete the final stages of a routine landing at the destination in day VMC when directional stability was suddenly lost. The helicopter came to rest very close to the edge of the helideck and although both the deck and the helicopter sustained minor impact damage, the 11 occupants were uninjured and disembarked onto the unmanned platform.
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