What happened
On 28 August 2002, a Sikorsky S-61N, registration ZS-RLL, arrived at the PETRO SA Omega Oil Rig, located in the South Sea off the coast of Mossel Bay, for a scheduled crew change. After picking up 14 passengers, the aircraft departed the platform deck and transitioned into a hover at an altitude of approximately 10 feet. During this period, the crew was conducting a standard power assurance check. While maintaining this hover, the No. 2 engine suffered a flame-out. The crew identified the failure through a combination of engine noise and instrument readings.
Following the loss of power, the pilot followed established emergency procedures and successfully brought the aircraft back down to the oil rig deck. Once landed, the engine was secured, the aircraft was shut down, and all passengers were safely disembarked. There were no injuries and no visible damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the No. 2 engine during the post-takeoff hover. Investigators examined the engine's fuel delivery system to determine why the engine ceased functioning during a routine power check.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by fuel starvation.
- The lack of fuel delivery was the direct result of a failure within the Fuel Pump Drive assembly.