The Sikorsky S-92 helicopter was touted as the safest helicopter in the world. The advanced design was said to be certified to the highest standards making it perfect for dangerous offshore flights. A fatal helicopter crash which happened off the coast of Newfoundland and a forced landing in Australia are now know to have been caused by the failure of titanium studs which caused a complete loss of gearbox oil.
The S-92 failed an important test that requires a helicopter to be able to fly for thirty minutes without gearbox oil. Older helicopters can only fly for a few minutes without gearbox oil. The Federal Aviation Regulation(FAR) ,the European counterpart for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, passed the S-92 under a clause that allows an exemption if the failure is “ extremely remote”. The certification gives the pilots a false sense of security believing that the helicopter can run for thirty minutes without oil pressure. What ever the definition of “extremely remote” no exemptions should be allowed in obtaining an advanced certification. The FAR should immediately stop this practice and we should require all helicopters flown in our country be certified by the FAA.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
