Incident Overview
On 20 October 2020, a Sikorsky S-92A helicopter, registration LN-OMI, operated by Bristow Norway AS as flight BHL203, was traveling from Stavanger Airport Sola (ENZV) to the Ekofisk Kilo (ENXK) oil and gas platform. Approximately one hour into the flight, a fire warning activated for engine 1. The helicopter was equipped with two external tail-mounted cameras that monitored the engines, main rotor, and main gearbox, but no signs of flames or smoke were observed. No other abnormal engine indications were present.
Crew Actions and Decision
Upon receiving the fire warning, the crew consulted the emergency procedure for an engine fire. Despite the lack of corroborating signs, they decided to shut down engine 1. Both fire extinguishing bottles were discharged, yet the fire warning continued. The crew did not detect any other indications of an actual fire, such as erratic engine parameters, and concluded that the warning was false. They opted to continue the flight toward either Ekofisk Kilo or Ekofisk Lima (ENEL).
Subsequent Events
Before landing on Ekofisk Lima, the crew restarted engine 1. The landing was completed without further incident. After landing, a thorough inspection of the engine and engine compartment revealed no evidence of fire.
Context and Findings
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) noted that there have been multiple instances of false engine fire warnings on S-92 helicopters, though these warnings typically last only a short time. The NSIA expressed concern that false warnings pose a serious problem by reducing confidence in the fire warning system. The incident highlighted issues related to false fire warnings and how crews respond to them. The helicopter, owned by TVPX Aircraft Solution Inc., carried 2 crew and 11 passengers, all uninjured. The event occurred about 120 nautical miles southwest of Stavanger Airport Sola, between 1142 and 1207 local time.