Canadian investigators have not yet determined why two Sikorsky CH-124A Sea King helicopters recently lost power in flight. The helicopters were grounded for 72h, along with the other 26 Sea Kings operated by the Department of National Defence (DND) (Flight International, 4-10 November). The DND says there is no problem with individual mechanical systems such as the gearbox, engine or fuel system. The problem is thought to have been caused by an interaction between them, it says. Meanwhile, Sikorsky says maintenance problems, not design flaws, are causing problems for the 40-year-old machines. Ten people have died in four fatal crashes over the years and 13 aircraft have been withdrawn from the original 41-helicopter fleet. The Sea Kings are due to be replaced by the winner of a competition between the Sikorsky H-92, EH Industries EH101 and NH Industries NH90.
Source: Flight International
