After the enquiry
Unfortunately it is now looking very unlikely this machine will survive, at least offshore.
If it is another epicyclic then the game is effectively over and everyone will start the slow or not so slow conversion to other types.
If it is (as they clearly expect) the suspension bar, maintenance related or not. then they will have to explain to an already spooked workforce why the failure of a single item; bar, bolt, or worse missing nappy pin would result in the destruction of the entire structural integrity of the machine.
Now sure, there are many single points of failure on a helicopter- we know that. Many are completely unavoidable.
But could the design of the sus bar assembly have redundancy built in? Other types have at least some. If so why didn't it?
The public will see it this way whatever we think.
The puma in all its types has been around a long while
Recently 5 accidents 7 years 3 fatal 33 dead. All in the NS. 1970s levels of fatal accidents. Regularly grounded, rapid redesigns.
A series of "extremely improbable
" events will "extremely probably" mean the end of the road this time.
Maybe I am wrong, but even If I am I would certainly wager we will never see another AH helicopter with a zero redundancy three bar mrh suspension arrangement.
Last edited by birmingham; 31st May 2016 at 16:16.