Bristow sues over helicopter crash
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 739
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX USA
Lu and I were basically in agreement (in another thread) about the cause of the rotor blade failure when this accident happened, namely that the titanium spar would not take kindly to a lightning strike, due to the unique properties of titanium.
I noticed that after the accident, the FAA and Sikorsky were involved in an AD to recall all S-76 rotor blades in service that had suffered previous lighting strikes. If memory serves me, there were 8 known blades in service at that time with this history.
I doubt after this accident, that ANY titanium spar rotor blade will EVER be returned to service after a lightning strike. Again Shawn is right, a foolproof NDT method of testing would be required to properly certify a titanium spar rotor blade for return to service after a lightning strike, and no such method exists at this time. Until such a method is developed, the only prudent course of action is to ALWAYS remove such a rotor blade from service, permanently.
I noticed that after the accident, the FAA and Sikorsky were involved in an AD to recall all S-76 rotor blades in service that had suffered previous lighting strikes. If memory serves me, there were 8 known blades in service at that time with this history.
I doubt after this accident, that ANY titanium spar rotor blade will EVER be returned to service after a lightning strike. Again Shawn is right, a foolproof NDT method of testing would be required to properly certify a titanium spar rotor blade for return to service after a lightning strike, and no such method exists at this time. Until such a method is developed, the only prudent course of action is to ALWAYS remove such a rotor blade from service, permanently.
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: Australia
FS....
I think your 100% correct.....
So I guess the owners of those blades have cut them into many pieces...?
Or stored them in the storeroom awaiting the day that someone reckons they have a "new" foolproof test to recertify them?
So I guess the owners of those blades have cut them into many pieces...?
Or stored them in the storeroom awaiting the day that someone reckons they have a "new" foolproof test to recertify them?
