Calls For Replacement Of Titanium Oil Bowl Studs With Steel Parts

As the threat of a worldwide grounding of all S-92 helicopters looms, Sikorsky Aircraft noted Monday the majority of the global S-92 helicopter fleet already has complied with the company's notice to retrofit the aircraft's gearbox oil bowl with steel mounting studs... and expects "close to 100 percent compliance by the end of this week."

The company tells ANN it contacted all S-92 helicopter operators on March 20 after broken titanium studs were found during the investigation into the March 12 downing of a Cougar Helicopters S-92 offshore oil rig transport. As Aero-News reported Monday, the Canadian Transportation Safety Board has called for the grounding of all S-92s worldwide until an emergency airworthiness directive has been complied with; the FAA is expected to issue that EAD within days.

For now, Sikorsky says the TSB investigation is continuing... and that "no determination has been made that the broken studs contributed to the accident or if they resulted from it." Sikorsky says it immediately notified the operators as a safety precaution.

As of Monday afternoon, more than 50 of the 91 S-92 helicopter retrofits were completed, according to the helomaker.

"While the investigation remains ongoing, our priority has been to maintain safety and eliminate any potential risks," said Marc Poland, Vice President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters. "The operators are reacting quickly, and we are doing all we can to encourage full and rapid compliance.

"Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to the families of all involved in this terrible tragedy," Poland added. "The investigation continues, and we are providing support and technical resources to assist the TSB while we continue to support the fleet."  

The worldwide fleet of S-92 helicopters has accumulated more than 140,000 flight hours since 2004. The Cougar accident was the first fatal crash of the type.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com