BRIAN DUNN / MONTREAL
After 72h grounding, investigation continues into why two helicopters lost power
Canada's problem-plagued fleet of Sikorsky CH-124A Sea Kings has been cleared to resume flying under certain restrictions after being grounded for 72h, as investigations continue into why two of the 28 helicopters recently lost power in flight (Flight International, 4-10 November).
The Department of National Defence (DND) says the aircraft that patrol the Canadian coastline will not be allowed to be used on hovering exercises over unpaved surfaces or for certain anti-submarine warfare operations.
"These pose the greatest risk to crew safety should a loss of power occur," the DND says in a statement issued the day before the 10th anniversary of the Liberal government's cancellation of a C$5.8 billion ($4.4 billion) order to replace the 40-year-old Sea Kings. Ottawa is in the final stages of a formal call for tenders to replace the Sea Kings, but the process has been mired in political controversy.
Investigators probing the two power-loss incidents are concentrating on the fuel content and fuel delivery systems for the General Electric engines and the performance of the engines and Sikorsky gearboxes. They were also looking at the way the engines and gearboxes were installed and maintained, as both helicopters come from the same hangar.
Source: Flight International
