Accidents
Rotor-blade defect blamed in S-76 crash
British investigation authorities implicated a manufacturing defect in the July 16, 2002, crash of a Sikorsky S-76 into the North Sea.

British investigation authorities implicated a manufacturing defect in the July 16, 2002, crash of a Sikorsky S-76 into the North Sea. Operated by Shell, the helicopter, G-BJVX, was completing a 13-minute leg between two rigs when one rotor blade failed, leading to separation of the entire rotor system. The two crewmembers and nine passengers died in the crash.

According to the accident report issued by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch of the UK Department for Transport, witnesses saw the crew complete a full walkaround before start-up and departure from Norwich that appeared normal to all passengers and helideck crews who were interviewed.