Update: Airbus Issue Statement as Fleet-wide Inspections Ordered on H175 – Exclusive Image of fault
Airbus have issued a statement following the grounding of the H175 fleet this morning in Aberdeen.
“Airbus Helicopters confirms it has issued a service bulletin to H175 operators calling for a temporary reduction of the maximum allowable speed of the helicopter.”
“This follows the detection of a structural damage during routine inspections of the horizontal stabilizer on a customer helicopter.”
“This initial service bulletin will be followed shortly by another one calling for fleet-wide inspections of the affected part. As is standard practice, these precautionary measures will be followed up by EASA-mandated airworthiness directives. We are in direct contact with our customers to minimise the impact on their operations.”
Oil and Gas People was sent a picture of the fault that was found on a Babcock helicopter this morning.
A spokesman for Babcock said: “Airbus are investigating and are currently inspecting our fleet. The default was found during a safety check and the safety of our passengers is always our utmost priority. Alternative arrangements have been made for passengers affected.”
Neither Airbus or Babcock denied the below image was of the fault but nor would they confirm.