AS32, en-route, North Sea UK, 2002
AS32, en-route, North Sea UK, 2002
Summary
On 28th February 2002, an Aerospatiale AS332L Super Puma helicopter en route approximately 70 nm northeast of Scatsa, Shetland Islands was in the vicinity of a storm cell when a waterspout was observed about a mile abeam. Soon afterwards, violent pitch, roll and yaw with significant negative and positive g occurred. Recovery to normal flight was achieved after 15 seconds and after a control check, the flight was completed. After flight, all five tail rotor blades and tail pylon damage were discovered. It was established that this serious damage was the result of contact between the blades and the pylon.
Flight Details
Aircraft
Operator
Type of Flight
Public Transport (Passenger)
Intended Destination
Take-off Commenced
Yes
Flight Airborne
Yes
Flight Completed
Yes
Phase of Flight
Cruise
Location
Approx.
70 NM NE of Scatsa, Shetland Islands, UK
LOC
Tag(s)
Environmental Factors,
Temporary Control Loss
WX
Tag(s)
Low Level Windshear
Outcome
Damage or injury
Yes
Aircraft damage
Minor
Non-aircraft damage
Yes
Non-occupant Casualties
No
Off Airport Landing
Yes
Ditching
Yes
Causal Factor Group(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Operation
Safety Recommendation(s)
Group(s)
None Made
Investigation Type
Type
Independent
Description
On 28th February 2002, an Aerospatiale AS332L Super Puma helicopter en route from the Dunlin A offshore platform to Scatsa, Shetland Islands was 70 nm north east of its destination in day VMC when sudden severe turbulence occurred in the vicinity of a waterspout. After a brief departure from normal flight, a recovery was achieved and no adverse handling effects were present. After landing at destination it became apparent that the tail pylon and all five tail rotor blades had been damaged during the earlier episode.
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Further Reading
For further information, including flight history , see the full AAIB Incident Report
