What happened
On 27 December 2006, an Aerospatiale SA365N, registration G-BLUN, was performing a scheduled flight consisting of eight sectors within the Morecambe Bay gas field. The flight, operated by CHC Scotia Limited, had completed two successful sectors before attempting to land on the North Morecambe platform in darkness.
During the approach, the co-pilot became disoriented due to poor weather conditions and a lack of adequate visual cues. The co-pilot failed to declare an emergency or request a go-around despite losing control of the aircraft. While the commander eventually took control, the transfer of authority was delayed by approximately four seconds. Despite efforts to level the aircraft, the helicopter continued to descend and struck the sea surface. The impact caused the fuselage to disintegrate, and the majority of the structure sank. There were seven fatalities in total, comprising two crew and five passengers.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight crew's performance, the aircraft's technical condition, and the environmental factors present during the approach. Investigators found that the aircraft was properly maintained and showed no signs of technical malfunction. The crew were appropriately licensed and rested, though the investigation noted that the commander's focus was likely diverted by concerns for the co-pilot's well-being.
Findings
- The co-pilot's approach profile was flawed due to the difficulty of assessing distance in dark, poor-weather conditions.
- The commander did not provide sufficient monitoring of the co-pilot's actions.
- The delayed transfer of control from the co-pilot to the commander prevented a timely recovery.
- The placement and readability of the radio altimeter and torquemeter on the Aerospatiale SA365N made instrument monitoring difficult during the approach.
- The lack of use of a synthetic training device meant the crew missed opportunities to practice such complex maneuvers.
Safety action
Six safety recommendations were issued, including calls for the CAA to ensure recurrent training is conducted in approved synthetic training devices and for EASA to research instrument landing systems that assist crews in low-visibility platform approaches. Additionally, recommendations were made to improve the visibility of flight crew immersion suits and to ensure offshore personnel are properly equipped to provide accurate meteorological data.