AW139 unexpected float deployment
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AW139 unexpected float deployment
Lider AW139 off Brazil
https://www.jornalterceiravia.com.br/2023/01/17/video-helicoptero-tem-pane-durante-voo-na-bacia-de-campos/
https://youtu.be/L_LylVPkK20
https://www.jornalterceiravia.com.br/2023/01/17/video-helicoptero-tem-pane-durante-voo-na-bacia-de-campos/
https://youtu.be/L_LylVPkK20
Last edited by Senior Pilot; 19th Jan 2023 at 20:33. Reason: Add YouTube link and photo
Last edited by Nescafe; 20th Jan 2023 at 03:04.
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Activation from the collective mounted switch requires a three stage action, arm floats, lift the collective switch guard then press the button. If the floats are armed, the ‘float test’ button being pressed inadvertently, (by a flight board or iPad etc) would also make the circuit, which could be more likely.
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A wiring short under the baggage bay floor.
There was a mod to increase the clearance around the cylinder firing heads.
https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExte...5004BDBCB.0001
Always thought the Agusta SOP of flying over water with floats armed was superior and a natural evolution over the old S76 (and others) restriction of limiting arming by airspeed. We blew lots of floats in the 76 at 140 knots with only embarrassment as a consequence. After we got the belly sensors to auto inflate all we really needed was a guard on the manual activation button on the cyclic, that alas never came.
Glad Agusta never backpedaled on SOP after the first few inadvertent float deployments.
Glad Agusta never backpedaled on SOP after the first few inadvertent float deployments.
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Uncommanded float activation
Not sure how common this is but I overheard that a Middle East Gulf operator has had 4 unexpected activations this year alone. CHC apparently had multiple last year too.
I wonder if MX has anything to do with the number of unexpected activations as the operators I have flown for never had a single one with hundreds of thousands of operating hours?
Is there anywhere where this information is available for analysis?
I wonder if MX has anything to do with the number of unexpected activations as the operators I have flown for never had a single one with hundreds of thousands of operating hours?
Is there anywhere where this information is available for analysis?
Last edited by gwelo shamwari; 23rd Apr 2023 at 03:10.
How pricey would something like this be though? (an inadvertent deployment)
I've seen videos of people inflating these floats for fun, once their useable lifespan is consumed...
I've seen videos of people inflating these floats for fun, once their useable lifespan is consumed...
We blew lots of floats in the 76 at 140 knots with only embarrassment as a consequence
'traditional' dropping of the iPad on the unguarded float switch was a $60k FU on the S76
Not sure how common this is but I overheard that a Middle East Gulf operator has had 4 unexpected activations this year alone. CHC apparently had multiple last year too.
I wonder if MX has anything to do with the number of unexpected activations as the operators I have flown for never had a single one with hundreds of thousands of operating hours?
Is there anywhere where this information is available for analysis?
I wonder if MX has anything to do with the number of unexpected activations as the operators I have flown for never had a single one with hundreds of thousands of operating hours?
Is there anywhere where this information is available for analysis?
Records show 2 inflight float deployments in the last 3 years and that includes the recent one in Brazil. That is across all Leonardo aircraft types. 109/119, 139, 169 and 189.
I can't find any records for unintentional float operation on the ground in that time frame. Normally the OEM would at least be told and also regulatory authority, IF it was a problem with an aircraft system.
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I am a bit sceptical at the claim of so many unintentional/unexpected deployments.
Where exactly did you check? it would interesting to have a look at what is actually happening to the fleet.
Where exactly did you check? it would interesting to have a look at what is actually happening to the fleet.
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I have heard of. a lot on 76s over the years. More than one occurred on hand over of controls for a deck landing. One poor fellow was present at 2 in 4 months. Forever after he lived with the nickname “Pops”. One thing we discovered was that the red button on the cyclic, which all thought required a good hard push, would activate at the merest touch.
There have been many inadvertent 76 float deployments, probably hundreds over the years. Usually on the deck after one pilot exits with the float switch still on. Many operators failed to install the STC float guard and fumbling on exit, or even getting the cyclic trim PB mixed up with the pop button set them off. Easy to do if you're stupid or tired. If the 139 system works as advertised, you should never have to manually activate the float switch.