PPRuNe Forums - North Sea heli ditching: Oct 2012

PPRuNe Forums (https://www.pprune.org/)

- Rotorheads (https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads-23/)

- - North Sea heli ditching: Oct 2012 (https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/498649-north-sea-heli-ditching-oct-2012-a.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by industry insider (Post 7884361)

With the introduction of IDMGB, the S-92 will have an internal aux lube system.

Any indication as to when this IDMGB will be available? It has been announced since years now.
On the CH-148 SAC still seem to be fighting an uphill battle with the 30 mins.

Colibri

I think II is right...whatever Bristow may say

From the 2101-113E EASA AD issued May 28th 2013

Quote:

. The Emergency Lubrication (EMLUB) system of the helicopter was designed to guarantee 30 minutes of continued safe flight in the event of total loss of the dual oil lubrication system of the Main Gearbox (MGB).
Investigations on the EMLUB system have revealed an area of the flight envelope in which the emergency lubrication Glycol pump’s performance is different to that assumed during certification.
Consequently, even though the likelihood of using the EMLUB is extremely low (no total loss of oil lubrication encountered on the Super Puma fleet), as the continued safe flight of 30 minutes is not guaranteed in the whole flight envelope, and pending a Eurocopter modification to the Glycol pump and EMLUB pressure switches, an immediate landing or ditching is required as soon as the EMLUB system is activated.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Eurocopter issued EC225 Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No 04A010 to provide updated Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) emergency procedures.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires amendment of the RFM emergency procedures section.

I for one don't care what Bristow think, they are just an operator with a commercial vested interest, this is the current EASA AD as far as I know.

It wasn't Bristow doing the presentation. It was a Eurocopter engineering expert and if he hasn't done so already, he'll shortly be giving the same talk at CHC and Bond.

"and pending a Eurocopter modification to the Glycol pump" seems to be the relevant bit from your quote above. He didn't allude to the pressure switches, which I take to imply from his statement that now only the pump needs to be stronger.

DB.....I guess the way you describe the 225 AFCS....it would be perfect to take for a Pub Run....it would buy every Round and take the Ugly Bird!:E

What pump does the Emlube use? I thought it was p2 air from the the number 1 engine.

So no number 1 engine no emlube.

Or am I talking bollox?

There are pressure-sensing switches for both p2.4 pressure and glycol pressure, which means that there is a separate pump for the glycol.

Low fat. You are correct. It only uses air from the LH engine. If the engine is not running we Have no EMLUBESYSTEM capability BUT this is a multiple failure scenario that the system is not designed to accommodate.

Like I said it is the only aircraft flying that has an EMLUBESYSTEM.

The discovery during extensive testing that they pump may not deliver an optimum flow under certain conditions has led to EC issuing the ESB because there are EC225s currently operating around the globe.

My understanding is that new pumps will be fitted ASAP as part of the mod package to support the route back to service for those not operating.

SAS.......yes I think she probably would. In fact if Carling made a helicopter it would be a 225

DB

Quote:

Then...

Quote:

My understanding is that new pumps will be fitted ASAP as part of the mod package to support the route back to service for those not operating.

It only uses air ....but needs a new pump?

P2.4 air is used to spray (atomise?) the glycol into the gearbox but the pump takes it from its container to the spray mechanism.

Si

Purely as a matter of interest. When they were scrabbling around for helicopters after the 225s were grounded, did they look at resurrecting GBMCX from the hanger it was marooned in in Libya.

Quote:

did they look at resurrecting GBMCX from the hanger it was marooned in in Libya

Yes they did, flying at Aberdeen today.

CHC Scotia also flying an AS332L G-BKZE today as well.

Have tthe offshore unions advised all their members not to fly in Boeing 777s yet?

That would be far too measured a response - 'ban all boeings' would be more likely.

Have you checked Facebook?

http://i.imgur.com/1293fmK.jpg

I/C

Airbus Helicopters accept responsibility?

Quote:

A helicopter firm has accepted responsibility for a ditching, according to lawyers acting for the 12 offshore workers injured in the 2012 incident.

The CHC-operated Super Puma EC225 was forced to land in the North Sea between Shetland and Orkney off Fair Isle.

Lawyers working for Irwin Mitchell have said manufacturer Airbus, formerly Eurocopter, accepts that it is “solely responsible for failures” leading to the crash.

An Irwin Mitchell spokesman said: “Lawyers at the firm have now received written confirmation from Airbus Helicopters stating that it accepts that it is solely responsible for the failures which led to the crew ditching the aircraft causing both physical and psychological injuries to those on board.”

The Super Puma was forced to ditch due to a failure in the gearbox lubrication system and a false warning in the emergency lubrication system.

The helicopter was flying from Aberdeen to the West Phoenix platform, west of Shetland when it ditched. Two crew were also on board the helicopter.

Jonathan Garcia, an ROV Pilot Technician on board when the helicopter ditched, said: "It has been a long wait for answers regarding the incident but, if any good is to come of it, it will be that steps are taken to improve offshore helicopter safety in the long term.

"Barely a day goes by when I do not think of the ditching. It was incredibly traumatic. Thankfully now that Airbus Helicopters has accepted responsibility, we should be able to start moving forward and receive the help and support we need to be able to move on with our lives.

“I hope that the aviation authorities and helicopter operators take the necessary steps to prevent anyone else going through what I have had to experience."

Jim Morris, a former RAF pilot and partner in Irwin Mitchell's Aviation Law team, added: “There have been a number of adverse incidents involving Super Puma helicopters in recent years. We now hope that the issues identified in the recent accident report are fully addressed as soon as possible to prevent any similar incidents in future.”