On the eve of a Canadian Government report on the fatal March 2009 crash off Newfoundland that killed 17 of 18 aboard a Sikorsky S-92A, operator Cougar Helicopters and its insurers filed a $26.6 million suit against the OEM. Cougar is charging Sikorsky with “fraudulent misrepresentation, reckless behavior and willful misconduct” relating to the performance of the helicopter’s main gearbox (MGB) and its ability to function without lubricating oil for 30 minutes. Cougar is also suing the federal minister of transport and Sikorsky’s Helicopter Support repair subsidiary.
Cougar Flight 491 crashed into the Atlantic 11 minutes after pilots reported falling MGB oil pressure, and examination of the wreckage revealed that two of the three titanium studs that secure the oil filter bowl assembly to the helicopter’s main gearbox had failed. Sikorsky subsequently made changes to the MGB, including replacing the titanium studs with ones made from steel.
More In Accidents
