FYI
UK MD 902s grounded
Defence Helicopter - 19 Jun
19 June 2003
Following the discovery of a cracked blade pin on the London HEMS MD 902 on Saturday morning, UK MD 902 operators have grounded their aircraft as a precautionary measure until tests by the CAA and manufacturer MD on the pins have been completed.
Extra vibration was reported by the HEMS crew on Saturday morning. An inspection team from Gloucester-based Specialist Aviation Services who maintain the aircraft discovered a cracked pin. Once the cracked pin had been identified managing director Jeremy Awenat informed the CAA, MD and other UK operators Eastern Atlantic Helicopters and Signature Aircraft Charter of their discovery. It is understood that all MD 902s have been voluntarily grounded as a precautionary measure. Awenat says that all blade pins on their MD 902s have been removed for inspection.
"We are near to issuing an airworthiness directive (today or tomorrow) that will require the inspection of all pins on MD 902s," said the CAAs Chris Marson.
Andrew Drwiega