Vertical Article
Eurocopter is closer to finalizing the probable cause of a bevel shaft crack that led to the ditchings of two EC225 LP helicopters in the North Sea in 2012, the company told its customers this week.
In a statement, Eurocopter said it has made “significant progress” regarding the crack initiation root cause during its third campaign of testing, although its conclusions still need to be shared and discussed with the investigation authorities and Georgia Technology Research Institute.
Eurocopter said it has been able to replicate both crack initiation scenarios on test benches, and that the crack propagation model has been verified in bench tests as well. The company’s investigations have led it to the conclusion that no abnormal dynamic overload is present. Instead, Eurocopter’s perspective is that a combination of factors can lead to a weakened fatigue strength of the EC225’s vertical shaft.
A flight test to demonstrate the scenario up to full rupture is currently in progress.
Eurocopter said it will keep working with helicopter operators, oil and gas companies, unions and other key stakeholders to ensure full validation of the results and the recommended solutions. In the meantime, the company said, on-going safe flight operations continue.