Special bulletin now released:
Air Accidents Investigation: S2/2012 EC225 LP Super Puma, G-REDW
Summary:
The crew of the helicopter carried out a controlled ditching following indications of a failure of the main gearbox (MGB) lubrication system and, subsequently, a warning indicating failure of the emergency lubrication system. All passengers and crew evacuated the helicopter into a life raft and were subsequently rescued. Two passengers sustained minor injuries. The investigation has identified a 360° circumferential crack in the bevel gear vertical shaft in the main gearbox, in the vicinity of a manufacturing weld, causing disengagement of the drive to both mechanical oil pumps.
Well done that crew!