Perhaps we should run a poll.
In a PM conversation with a very senior Gulf of Mexico pilot who flies S-92's it became apparant he and his colleagues had the same mindset a lot of us did. That being as long as the aircraft is flying we will try to get to someplace dry to land. We all agreed we would announce our problems, get help coming, as we headed to the water....then we would fly low and slow....very low....and slow....until we sensed any change for the worst then ditch.
We all developed this concept for some reason....not much of which is based upon empirical data but more on the concept of trying to stay out of the water and getting the occupants and the helicopter to a safe "dry" landing.
How many of us held that view prior to this accident?
How many of us hold that view after this accident?
The discussion shows there is some ambiguity in our knowledge of how long the 92 MGB could run without lubrication....which means we have the same problem with other Gearbox's on other aircraft and their "dry run" times.
Is this a topic that needs to be addressed industry wide and across the board for helicopters of all types and makes?