UK Tail Rotor Failure Investigation

[Rich Lee]

The DOT Air Accidents Investigation Branch were conducting an investigation regarding controllability issues following a loss of tail rotor drive. The Senior Inspector was, if I remember correctly, Chris Protheroe. Several helicopter manufacturers were asked to participate.

The investigation arose from the accident of B-206 G-OSUE near Crowthorne, England in the month of August of 1992. I am aware of the results of the investigation into that particular accident but, is there anyone who knows what the results of the controllability investigation were?

Thanks to the forum for your replies.

[zalt]

Do you mean this extensive CAA study (though no AAIB involvement)?:
http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=detail&id=1127
Reference: CAA Paper 2003/01
Title: Helicopter Tail Rotor Failures
Description: Reports on a research study which examined the nature and extent of helicopter tail rotor failures, investigated the techniques and technologies that might be employed to reduce their occurrence and/or mitigate their consequences, reviewed the existing emergency procedures and handling advice, surveyed current pilot training practice and simulators, and reviewed the existing airworthiness requirements. The study included piloted simulation-based experimental work.
See page 210 for G-OSUE
Subsequent incidents where the fastners around the couplings were lost resulted in a CAA AD.

[Rich Lee]

Spot on! Thank you very much Zalt!:D