Rotorcraft
EASA Clears Super Pumas for Service Return
Several conditions apply before the helicopters can be returned to service.
After grounding the Airbus Helicopters EC225 LP and AS332 L2 in June 2016 following an accident in Norway, the EASA on October 7 cleared the type to return to service. (Photo: Airbus Helicopters)
After grounding the Airbus Helicopters EC225 LP and AS332 L2 in June 2016 following an accident in Norway, the EASA on October 7 cleared the type to return to service. (Photo: Airbus Helicopters)

EASA has cleared the Airbus Helicopters EC225 LP and AS332 L2 for return to service. However, aviation authorities in both the UK and Norway have decided to keep their flight bans on the helicopters in place at this time. Most of the worldwide fleet of these helicopters was grounded June 2 following the fatal crash of a CHC EC225 LP on April 29 in Norway, during which the entire main rotor hub detached from the helicopter in flight, killing all 13 aboard. While the exact cause of that accident remains undetermined, investigators did discover abnormal wear on a main gearbox planet gear.


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