Maritime helicopters in this class are frequently fitted with an Automatically Deployed Emergency Locator Transmitter (ADELT) which would/could also contain memory modules for the FDR & CVR. This device is visible in pictures of the port side of the CH148 on the tailcone (orange disc).
Very sad news.

Whilst you are correct about the ADELT, they do not carry any memory modules. They are purely a location device.

Don't know of any O&G aircraft having this but there is an option to have those fitted.
See here: HR Smith CPI memory module

Thank you. I was unaware of their existence. I've only encountered the position indicator only models.

Deployable VFDR recorder
 

While the correct term may not be ADELT there is debloyable devices containing the CVR and FDR data. Quite common for aircrafts operating over sea.
I dont know the term used for this on the CH-148 though...

This one is used on the A/C I fly:
Recorder Beacon Airfoil

Now reported that it was inbound to the frigate, only two miles out. No doubt there will be eyewitnesses

Crashed at 6:52 local, sunset at 8:30, 2 miles back from the frigate with everyone watching them coming in. CFIT would be a puzzler.

The water is reported 3,000 meters deep. Blackhawk 221 was recovered from the same depth, challenging but it can be done.

Without wishing to start a thread drift - have you read the BOI report on that accident? Sobering reading!

I'd be very interested in that, if you can share a link

me too....

Dear oh dear, that was a catalogue of problems waiting to bite someone - and sadly it did. Not the first time a Special Forces Sqn thought they were more 'special' than they were in reality.

Seems unlikely that the sad loss in the Med has a similar cause.

I agree and wasn't suggesting that - simply responding to the reference to the incident

FBW
 

Could the fly by wire systems be called into question?

212 man yes :ok:

anyone wonder if some airmanship shenanigans led to this tragedy?
like requesting to buzz the deck or scud run low level over the water or anything like that?

I only offer this suggestion because their doesn't seem to be transparency from the get go from the military.

Although I like Norman, his captain obvious assertion that it was one of two things, pilot error, or maintenance related was so basic, I think my dog could pick one or the other if a treat was offered.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/mark...rash-1.4922760

I would say everything is on the table until evidence starts to narrow it down - such as whatever is recorded on the CPI. I'm not sure why you would single out FBW? It may not be present in civilian helicopters but it has been in the NH90 which first flew in 1995, and was in the Comanche which first flew in 1996, so is not new technology for Rotary Wing. The latter built by Boeing and Sikorsky - the former with FW FBW experience (at that time B777) and the latter no doubt using the Comanche experience to inform some of the design of the Cyclone system.

I like Mark Norman too, but that article is utter gibberish spoken by someone who knows little about helicopters.