Aircraft Unexpectedly Moved During Refueling Operation

Canada's fleet of Sea King helicopters has been grounded by the country's Department of National Defense. The move came late Monday after a Sea King's main rotor touched the tarmac during a refueling operation at CFB Halifax in Nova Scotia.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reports that a DND spokesman confirmed that there had been a "flight safety occurrence." Lt. Col James Hawthorne said that the tail "lifted off the ground and the main rotor struck the ground in front of the helicopter." He said the reason for what happened was not clear, and the pilot of the aircraft said he doesn't know exactly what happened, but it happened very quickly.

The CBC reports that all five blades of the Sea King's main rotor touched the ground. Debris thrown up by the impact reportedly damaged a nearby building, but no one was injured, according to the report.

The incident will be investigated by the director of flight safety. Hawthorne said the damage to the aircraft was "quite extensive," and it is not yet known if it will be possible to return it to flying status.

The Sea King has been in service for Canada for 50 years, with an anniversary celebration planned for the end of the month. While a replacement helicopter has long been in the works, it has been repeatedly delayed by technical and political issues.

(Image from file.)

FMI: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/home-accueil-eng.asp