Incident Overview
On March 22, 2010, a Sikorsky S-92A, registration N921AL, operated by Bristow U.S. LLC, experienced an in-flight departure of an Environmental Control System (ECS) panel. The panel struck one main rotor blade and one tail rotor blade, resulting in minor damage to the helicopter. The two airline transport pilots and 12 passengers were not injured.
Flight Details
The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an on-demand air taxi operation. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The helicopter departed from Air Logistics Galliano Heliport (2LS0) in Galliano, Louisiana, at 0605, flew to offshore platform Walker Ridge 206, and returned to 2LS0 at approximately 0855.
Pilot Statement
According to a statement provided by the pilot through the company's safety department, the helicopter encountered moderate turbulence fifteen minutes into the flight. No unusual characteristics or noises were reported during the flight. The damage was discovered during a post-flight inspection. The ECS panel has not been recovered, and it is unknown when the panel separated from the helicopter.
Post-Incident Observations
The helicopter's ECS and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) panels were both painted the same color. This made visual inspection of the panels difficult to detect if the doors were properly secured. As a result of the incident, the company applied contrasting paint to the panels to help detect if they are not properly secured.