EC 225 rescue hampered by wristwatch locators | Aviation International News

EC 225 rescue hampered by wristwatch locators

The 27-minute search for the life-rafts occupied by the survivors of a Bond-operated Eurocopter EC 225 helicopter that ditched into the North Sea on

By Thierry Dubois • Writer

July 28, 2009

The 27-minute search for the life-rafts occupied by the survivors of a Bond-operated Eurocopter EC 225 helicopter that ditched into the North Sea on
February 18, less than 1,500 feet from an offshore oil platform, prompted the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) to recommend improved training in the use of personal locator beacons (PLBs) and emergency locator transmitters (ELTs). The search was hampered by darkness and fog, the AAIB noted in its report of the accident, which was released in June.

But also in the report, the investigative body said it was probable that the operation of PLBs/ELTs on board the helicopter were inhibited by the use of wristwatch-type PLBs that were worn by passengers but which were not part of the helicopter’s certified equipment. All 16 passengers and two crewmembers were rescued; three of the passengers sustained minor injuries.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

NTSB: Citation V in Overrun Was Snow-coated, Overweight

Rejected takeoff initiated above the decision speed

A Citation V that slid off the runway in Pagosa Springs in 2024

Libyan Officials Investigate Latitude Runway Overrun

Three crew survived crash on empty leg charter trip from Istanbul

Misrata Airport Citation crash

NBC News Helicopter Crashes in LA, Killing Three

Helicopter was covering a fatal collision between an SUV and bus when it went down

Mayor Karen Bass speaks at a press conference near the scene of the crashes on September 15

Forgotten Safety Pin Preceded Gulfstream IV Excursion

Airplane veered into grass with no injuries reported

Screenshot 2026-09-14 at 8.07.17 AM

District Court Rejects Appeal of GARA-related Lawsuit

Plaintiffs argued that police aircraft are exempt from GARA statute of repose

Helicopter accident flight path

NTSB: Pax Safely Lands King Air after Pilot Collapsed

Pilot died of cardiac arrest during the flight

Teen Driver Breaches Fence, Hits PlaneSense PC-12 at KPSM

Vehicle also struck parked ground-support tractor; there were no injuries

the pilatus PC-12 photographed on a ramp

NBAA Report Flags Powerplant, Collision Risks in Q2 Data

Six fatal accidents resulted in 22 fatalities in the quarter