The FAA is reissuing and revising a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SW-08-03R4) covering recommendations for rotorcraft powered by turboshaft engines flying into snowy or icy conditions. The SAIB describes procedures to reduce the probability of an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown due to snow and/or ice ingestion and reminds operators that most helicopters are not approved/equipped for flight into icing conditions.
The FAA notes that the condition remains an ongoing safety concern. “We are revising and reissuing this SAIB because ice and snow ingestion continue to be a contributing factor in helicopter accidents. During the winter months of early 2013 at least two helicopter accidents were suspected to have ice or snow ingestion that led to loss of engine power. One of these accidents resulted in fatalities. In several instances aircraft were sitting outside during periods of rain, sleet or snow with below-freezing temperatures for a period of time before the accident flight. Some of the aircraft even ran several minutes on the ground before takeoff before their engine lost power in flight due to suspected ice or snow ingestion.”
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