Description

On 22 October 2012, a Eurocopter EC225 LP on 226nm passenger flight from Aberdeen to the West Phoenix Offshore Platform in the North Sea in day Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) was in the cruise 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 close to a ship and, with the Emergency Flotation System functioning normally. All 19 occupants evacuated into the two life rafts and were soon rescued with no injuries sustained.

Investigation

An Investigation was commenced by the UK AAIB. It was soon established that the sequence of events was almost exactly the same as one which had occurred to another EC225 LP five months earlier also operating offshore out of Aberdeen, also followed by a successful controlled ditching and also under investigation by the AAIB. The Investigation is continuing into this second event and it was announced on 29 November 2012 that it has been combined with one into the earlier similar event because of the essential similar airworthiness issues raised.

An initial Special Bulletin was published on this event and thereafter further Special Bulletins have dealt with progress in both investigations: