Accident Overview
On 28 December 2016, a Sikorsky S-92A helicopter registered as G-WNSR was involved in an accident at the West Franklin wellhead platform in the North Sea. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) published its report, Aircraft Accident Report 1/2018, on 22 March 2018. The report, signed by Chief Inspector Crispin Orr, details the circumstances of the accident.
Investigation Context
The report states that the investigation was carried out in accordance with Annex 13 to the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation, EU Regulation No 996/2010, and the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 1996. The sole objective of the investigation is the prevention of future accidents and incidents, not to apportion blame or liability.
Report Structure
The document includes sections on the history of the flight, pre-flight maintenance and planning, the first sector and accident sector, notification of the accident, injuries to persons, damage to the helicopter, and other damage. Personnel information for the commander and co-pilot, as well as passenger statements, are covered. Aircraft information includes general description, structure, landing gear, power plants, main and tail rotor assemblies, flying controls, and the tail rotor servo. Maintenance history, oil sampling, and emergency procedures are also detailed. Meteorological information, aids to navigation, communications, and aerodrome information for the Elgin PUQ and West Franklin helidecks are provided.
Recorded Data and Wreckage
Recorded information covers flight data, helicopter vibration health monitoring (HUMS), and the operator's internal HUMS procedures. Wreckage and impact information includes examination of the helideck and the helicopter. Medical and pathological information, survival aspects, and tests and research are included. Organizational and management information, additional information on similar events, and the significance of HUMS in previous accidents are also discussed.
Analysis
The report's analysis section examines operational aspects and the conduct of the flight. The probable cause is not explicitly stated in the available source material.