What happened
On 27 December 2006, an Aerospatiale SA365N Dauphin 2, registration G-BLUN, was performing a scheduled commercial passenger flight in support of offshore gas operations in the Morecambe Bay gas field. After completing two successful sectors, the helicopter departed the Millom West platform at 1826 hrs, heading toward the North Morecambe platform.
As the aircraft approached the platform, the flight crew initiated a go-around after becoming dissatisfied with the approach. During this maneuver, the crew increased power, but the helicopter began to roll to the right and pitch nose down. Flight data shows the aircraft reached a maximum nose-down pitch of 38 degrees and a bank angle of 38 degrees to the right, with the descent rate reaching approximately 1,400 feet per minute. Following this, the aircraft leveled slightly but continued a slow roll to the right. The final recorded parameters indicated the helicopter was at a radio altitude of 30 feet, pitching 12 degrees nose down, with an airspeed of 126 knots, before impacting the sea. The impact caused the fuselage to disintegrate, and the aircraft sank.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the wreckage, flight data, and cockpit voice recordings. The investigation involved the recovery of major components, including the engines, main gearbox, and rotor head, despite challenging weather conditions in the Irish Sea. Initial examinations of the recovered wreckage by engine and airframe representatives found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure in major components such as the tail rotor, drive shaft, or engines. Data from the flight recorder indicated that torque delivery and engine RPM were consistent with normal operation at the time of impact.
Findings
- The helicopter was performing a commercial passenger flight in the Morecambe Bay gas field.
- The crew attempted a go-around during the approach to the North Morecambe platform.
- The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent characterized by a nose-down pitch and a right-hand roll.
- There were no indications of technical malfunctions or mechanical failures in the primary flight control systems or engines prior to impact.