Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 19 November 1997
Aircraft Type: Sikorsky S-61N
Owner/operator: Bristow Helicopters
Registration Number: G-BCLC
Location: Bressay, Shetland –
ÿ United Kingdom
Phase of Flight: Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Casualties: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 14
Component Affected: Winch GuillotineWinch Guillotine
Investigating Agency: AAIBAAIB
Category: Accident
A helicopter crew was attempting to winch personnel from a disabled vessel when a sudden wave event caused the winchman to be swept overboard. Three safety recommendations were issued following the incident.A helicopter crew was attempting to winch personnel from a disabled vessel when a sudden wave event caused the winchman to be swept overboard. Three safety recommendations were issued following the incident.
Description
The helicopter was winching the crew from a disabled vessel. The last two of the vessel’s crew had been lifted to the helicopter while the winchman remained on the deck. Then large waves broke over the vessel and washed the winchman overboard. Three safety recommendations were made concerning the winch guillotine, the design of the “hi-line” weak link and radio communications between the winchman and the helicopter.
Primary Cause
Sudden wave event caused by a large wave impacting the vessel.Sudden wave event caused by a large wave impacting the vessel.Share on:
