Operators of 50 of the 91 Sikorsky S-92 helicopters in the world fleet have now complied with a company notice to replace gearbox mounting studs following a fatal crash off the coast of Newfoundland on March 20.
Operators quickly complied with a request to retrofit the aircraft’s gearbox oil bowl with steel mounting studs. It is expected there will be full compliance by the end of this week.
The company contacted all S-92 helicopter operators after broken titanium studs were found during an investigation of the crash in Canada. The investigation is continuing, and no determination has been made that the broken studs contributed to the accident or were simply broken as a result of the accident. Sikorsky notified operators as a safety precaution. The FAA is expected to issue an airworthiness directive requiring the retrofit.
Alton K. Marsh
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