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Incident Involving Sikorsky S76A G-BVKR on Approach to North Denes

Enroute to North Denes, Norfolk, GB

On September 13, 1998, a SIKORSKY S76A (MODIFIED) (registration G-BVKR) was involved in an aviation accident near Enroute to North Denes, Norfolk, GB. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The commander considered that the cause was the inadvertent dislodgement of a cargo strap from the baggage compartment while boarding passengers on the unmanned platform without the assistance of a Helicopter Landing Officer on departure; the strap fell onto… This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Sikorsky S76A (modified) helicopter, registration G-BVKR, sustained damage to its horizontal stabiliser after a cargo strap became trapped during landing gear retraction while en route to North Denes, Norfolk. No injuries were reported.

Incident Overview

On 13 September 1998, a Sikorsky S76A (modified) helicopter, registration G-BVKR, was operating an oil exploration/production support flight from an offshore platform to North Denes, Norfolk. The aircraft, manufactured in 1980 and powered by two Arriel 1S turboshaft engines, had two crew members and eleven passengers on board. No injuries were sustained by any occupants.

Sequence of Events

While en route after de-manning the offshore platform, the co-pilot reported hearing an unusual external noise, which the commander could not detect. As the helicopter approached North Denes on short finals, the air traffic controller informed the crew that something appeared to be hanging from the rear of the aircraft. The helicopter was hover taxied to dispersal and shut down without further incident.

Damage

Inspection revealed no items hanging from the aircraft, but several punctures were found in the horizontal stabiliser, confirming the controller's observation. A cargo strop was later retrieved from the runway.

Cause as per Commander

The commander attributed the incident to the inadvertent dislodgement of a cargo strap from the baggage compartment while passengers were boarding the unmanned platform, without the assistance of a Helicopter Landing Officer on departure. The strap fell onto the landing gear door and became trapped when the landing gear was raised. Subsequent flailing during flight caused the damage to the horizontal stabiliser and the noise heard by the co-pilot.

Probable cause

The commander considered that the cause was the inadvertent dislodgement of a cargo strap from the baggage compartment while boarding passengers on the unmanned platform without the assistance of a Helicopter Landing Officer on departure; the strap fell onto the landing gear door and became trapped when the landing gear was raised, and subsequent flailing whilst in flight caused the damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Sept 1998 SIKORSKY S76A (MODIFIED) accident near Enroute to North Denes, Norfolk, GB?

A Sikorsky S76A (modified) helicopter, registration G-BVKR, sustained damage to its horizontal stabiliser after a cargo strap became trapped during landing gear retraction while en route to North Denes, Norfolk. No injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Sept 1998 SIKORSKY S76A (MODIFIED) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Sept 1998 involved a SIKORSKY S76A (MODIFIED), registration G-BVKR, at Enroute to North Denes, Norfolk, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The commander considered that the cause was the inadvertent dislodgement of a cargo strap from the baggage compartment while boarding passengers on the unmanned platform without the assistance of a Helicopter Landing Officer on departure; the strap fell onto the landing gear door and became trapped when the landing…

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