Rotorcraft
Copterline sues Sikorsky over S-76 crash
Helsinki, Finland-based operator Copterline in late December filed a lawsuit in the U.S.

Helsinki, Finland-based operator Copterline in late December filed a lawsuit in the U.S. against Sikorsky, accusing the Stratford, Conn.-based helicopter manufacturer of negligence. Copterline alleges Sikorsky knew that the design of the main rotor servo actuator of the S-76 was unsafe but did not take proper action. The lawsuit further alleges “breaches of warranties, negligence, gross negligence and failure to warn.

”In August 2005, Copterline lost an S-76C+ in a crash that killed all 14 occupants. Shortly after takeoff, as it was flying at an altitude of 1,500 feet, the helicopter plunged into the Baltic Sea during a scheduled flight between Tallinn, Estonia, and Helsinki, Finland. Copterline is seeking damages of at least $60 million.

Loading…