Move Follows North Sea Ditching Accident Involving CHC Helicopters Aircraft

Bristow Group says it plans to suspend operations of some of its Super Puma helicopters following an accident Friday involving a similar aircraft belonging to CHC Helicopters which resulted in four fatal injuries.

"The cause is not yet known and is under investigation by authorities," the company said in a statement posted on its website. "Bristow Group recognizes and respects the recommendation made by the Helicopter Safety Steering Group (HSSG) in the UK.

"Bristow has suspended operations of our only two Eurocopter AS332 L2 Super Pumas in Nigeria while it evaluates the incident. Bristow continues to be assured of the safe operation of our global fleet and is in consultation and close coordination with our clients around the world regarding our continued support of their critical operations with helicopters other than the Eurocopter AS332 L2."

Sky News reports that CHC Helicopters has suspended all of its AS332 L2 operations worldwide, as well as all UK commercial flights for other models of the aircraft after the grounding was recommended by the UK's Helicopter Safety Steering Group. The last of the four people fatally injured has been recovered from the accident site, and the aircraft has been pulled from the water as well.

(AS332 pictured in file photo)

FMI: Helicopter Safety Steering Group