Following the helicopter incident in Norway on February 28, Offshore Energies UK, Step Change in Safety and the Offshore Helicopter Safety Leadership Group have issued a joint statement as follows.
The industry is profoundly saddened to hear of the fatality and injuries of passengers and crew following a helicopter incident during a search and rescue training assignment in the Norwegian sector. Our thoughts are first and foremost with all who were on this flight, their families and those involved in rescue and response.
When tragic incidents such as this occur, it is a very challenging time for people working offshore and the industry as always is committed to ensuring every effort is made to ensure flights taken by its workforce are as safe as possible.
The S-92 helicopter has been in operation 20 years and is operated in 28 countries. There are currently 263 helicopters in service flying 2.2 million flight hours that equates to 13,200 hours per month. These helicopters are used in offshore crew change and Search & Rescue (SAR).
At this time, neither the manufacturer nor the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority have identified any technical concerns on this helicopter. The industry has confidence in the safety of this helicopter and its airworthiness.
The industry continues to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders in UK and Norway, including helicopter operators, oil and gas operators and contractors, offshore trade unions, the pilots’ union BALPA, the regulators; HSE and the Civil Aviation Authority and trade associations, to ensure that any learning from this tragic incident is shared across the industry and that appropriate steps are taken.
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