Originally Posted by
S92PAX
I think this could be challenged. ERA stated in their briefing about they court claim against Airbus that they inspected the gearbox on their aircraft and found similar spalling on both types of bearing/gear. I think their is a lot more information to come out before a factual opinion can be formed.
That is actually quite troublesome.
It suggests both these bearing versions are overstressed and that it was merely chance that caused two MGBs with the same kind of bearing to possibly be subjected to unusual stresses, via lightning strikes or road accidents.
If comparable spalling is indeed found in both bearing types, reliable failure warning becomes essential. Not sure how this could be achieved, possibly radioactive tracer material in the bearings might add sensitivity, perhaps enough to allow timely intervention.