A mechanical problem has been blamed for causing an accident involving a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter, which was damaged in an emergency landing on 30 September.
“Our preliminary findings are that a mechanical problem was the cause of the incident,” says defence minister Teo Chee Hean. “We are conducting investigations together with the manufacturers of the aircraft,” he adds.
Early reports from Singapore’s defence ministry had identified “engine problems” as having contributed to the mishap, which happened during a maintenance flight. It halted all training activities with its remaining General Electric T700-701C-powered Apaches and T700-401C-engined Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk helicopters pending the results of an inspection of the damaged Apache. This has now been moved to the RSAF’s Sembawang air base.
Speaking during an official visit to India, Teo praised the actions of the Apache’s pilots, who both escaped injury. “Designated flight routes and emergency procedures were followed and these allowed the pilots to land the aircraft in an open field,” he notes. The aircraft’s tail section separated from the fuselage after striking the ground.
“Our next steps are to make sure that we do a thorough investigation to find the root cause,” Teo says. “We will thoroughly inspect our Apaches and Seahawks before any decision is made to resume flying of these aircraft.”
Source: FlightGlobal.com
