Rainbow 1 precautionary landing into Denham

[Grenville Fortescue]

Charles and Camilla in 'hairy' mid-air drama as helicopter's technical fault forces them to land minutes after take-off | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2329712/Charles-Camilla-hairy-mid-air-drama-helicopters-technical-fault-forces-land-minutes-off.html)

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall sat through a 'hairy' mid-air drama today when an in flight emergency forced them to land minutes after take-off.

Fifteen minutes out of central London a technical fault forced the royal helicopter to urgently divert to a nearby aerodrome.

[chevvron]

Don't Panic!!
Starspeed were on hand to save the day.

[helisniper]

Chevvy,

Was that an advert, pride or irony?!

Sniper

[Grenville Fortescue]

C&C boarding the incident flight at Kensington

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/05/24/article-2329712-19F782E8000005DC-356_634x423.jpg

Local security

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/05/24/article-2329712-19F782F8000005DC-150_634x388.jpg


Don't Panic!! Starspeed were on hand to save the day.


Have heard generally good reports about SS. :D

[SilsoeSid]

Have heard generally good reports about SS. :D

Very kind of you to say so Sir :ok:

[chevvron]

Helisniper: I couldn't possibly say but they do operate from the airfield where I work, especially the one which went to Hay for the pickup.

[expatflyer]

I believe it was a fast run on landing at Denham, smells of tail rotor issues....

[Brian Abraham]

smells of tail rotor issuesDon't know why you come to that conclusion. Few other reasons why a run on landing is required, and weight will dictate speed.

[212man]

I guess it depends on what constitutes 'fast' - a 30 kt run on could be single engine, 65 kts would probably be a TR issue. I would have thought Northolt would have been a better bet, though, with a TR issue, so who knows?

[FloaterNorthWest]

May 30, 2013
CCS-76-AOL-13-0003
To:
Attention:
Subject:
All S-76® Operators
All S-76 Centers
All Field Service Representatives
Aviation Director
Chief of Maintenance
Chief Helicopter Pilot
S-76 Helicopter Event Notification
On the 23rd of May, Sikorsky Aircraft was informed that an S-76C++ Helicopter crew experienced difficulty maintaining yaw control. A successful run-on landing was made without incident. Replacement of the Pedal Damper/Trim Actuator corrected the problem.
The NTSB is actively investigating this event. Sikorsky and our supply chain are supporting their investigation. All operators will be notified if this investigation reveals any safety or airworthiness issues that affect the S-76 Helicopter fleet.
Sikorsky reminds all operators that compliance with publications including Maintenance Manuals, Operating Manuals, Alert Service Bulletins, and Sikorsky Safety Advisories is essential. Alert Service Bulletins provide a recommended maximum compliance time. Earlier compliance is always encouraged.

[212man]

NTSB actively investigating?

I think they mean they will be particating in the AAIB investigation!

[nomorehelosforme]

Hasn't been seen picking up Edward or Sophie this week, is it still grounded?

[SilsoeSid]

9 Jan 14 Update?
BBC News - Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in helicopter drama (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-25650695)

[Pittsextra]

Air Accidents Investigation: Sikorsky S-76C, G-XXEB (http://www.aaib.gov.uk/publications/bulletins/january_2014/sikorsky_s_76c__g_xxeb.cfm)

[SilsoeSid]

Funny that the ac was en route from London to Wales and reportedly diverted into Denham, yet the AAIB reports says the fault was noticed on approach and descent into Denham :confused:

[heli14]

Rainbow often uses Denham for a quick refuel after lifting out of KP or BP due to weight restrictions for a vertical or short-field departure, so quite possible they were on approach into EGLD

[OvertHawk]

heli14 is correct... the aircraft was inbound to EGLD to uplift fuel.

[SilsoeSid]

Bleedin' press eh! :rolleyes:

[ChippyChop]

Crikey, run on landing at Denham would have been interesting in an S76 with the ground as soggy as it currently is!!

[FSXPilot]

Keep up. This happened last May.

[902Jon]

Keep up. Denham has a Tarmac runway as well as grass. :rolleyes:

[Ainippe]

A ball valve in the pedal damper had broken up, fleet check has been called for. The unit was replaced all is well again.:ok: