Sadly, the seventh person onboard the helicopter lost in Morecambe Bay last night has not been found.
This follows a comprehensive 22 hour sea search coordinated by Liverpool Coastguard, covering up to 32 square miles of sea and involving two RAF helicopters, three RNLI lifeboats and three rig platform stand-by vessels with their associated fast response vessels.
Six bodies were recovered from the sea last night during the early stages of the rescue operation, close to where the helicopter was seen going into the sea. Wreckage from the aircraft has been recovered by rescuers as part of the investigation by the AAIB (Air Accident Investigation Branch).
The weather conditions in the area are worsening with gales forecast for the Irish Sea and Liverpool Coastguard do not plan to resume an active search and rescue operation on Friday. However, vessels in the area will be asked to continue to keep a look out and report anything found to the Coastguard.
Jim Paton, Liverpool Coastguard Operations Manager said:
Liverpool Coastguard has coordinated an intensive sea surface search lasting nearly 24 hours. The initial search last night was launched very quickly and the search area has been thoroughly covered. All that could be done in terms of search and rescue has been done and I must pay tribute to all the crews of the vessels and helicopters who spared no effort in searching in difficult conditions. Also the operations room of Liverpool Coastguard who coordinated the search. Sadly, all realistic hope has gone of finding a survivor at this stage of the operation. Our thoughts and sympathy are with the families and friends of the men involved.
Posted By: Julia Gosling
For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401
Saturday, December 30, 2006
More speculation of cause 29 December 2006
Scotsman 29 December 2006. Jim Ferguson, an aviation writer.
He said that control failure, gearbox problems "or, God forbid, a blade coming off" were among possible mechanical explanations, while human error could not be ruled out.
A fractured rotor blade was pinpointed as the probable cause of a North Sea helicopter crash that killed 11 people in 2002.
"At present, there is one big question-mark hanging over the crash," added Mr Ferguson. He said the most recent serious accident in Europe involving a similar aircraft was in 1988, when a helicopter crashed 13 miles north of Rotterdam. The accident was attributed to "pilot disorientation".
He said that control failure, gearbox problems "or, God forbid, a blade coming off" were among possible mechanical explanations, while human error could not be ruled out.
A fractured rotor blade was pinpointed as the probable cause of a North Sea helicopter crash that killed 11 people in 2002.
"At present, there is one big question-mark hanging over the crash," added Mr Ferguson. He said the most recent serious accident in Europe involving a similar aircraft was in 1988, when a helicopter crashed 13 miles north of Rotterdam. The accident was attributed to "pilot disorientation".
Friday, December 29, 2006
1st speculation about the cause
According to the North West Evening Mail on 29 December 2006 Flight International magazine’s safety editor David Learmount says the evidence points to a rotor problem.
He said: “It could have had trouble with its tail rotor. There are other reasons but that is the most likely one.
“Something went wrong suddenly. We do not know what it was. It must have taken the pilots by surprise because they did not have time to make a call.”
He said: “It could have had trouble with its tail rotor. There are other reasons but that is the most likely one.
“Something went wrong suddenly. We do not know what it was. It must have taken the pilots by surprise because they did not have time to make a call.”
Summary of known facts 30 December 2006
Helicopter = Eurocopter AS365N ("Dauphin")
20 years old but highly regulated by Civil Aviation Authority, so most components will have been replaced over the years.
Also, many safety devices will have been added.
They are twin engined, but are powered through the same rotor and gearbox.
Travelling to Millom West platform, approximately 25 miles from the coast. This is a 'normally unattended platform.' People were obviously there on the day, probably performing some maintenance activity.
The helicopter had left Blackpool airport and visited two other platforms on its way to Millom West. It was due to return to Blackpool.
The people on Millom West saw the helicopter crash, and so were able to raise the alarm immediately. The helicopter did not send any distress signal.
According to Reuters on 28 December 2006 the helicopter veered to the left before crashing 500 metres short of the platform.
These helicopters can float, and given that no distress call was put out, it seems that this crash happened very quickly and violently.
Search and rescue conditions were considered to be relatively good with relatively calm seas, although it was dark. The sea would have been cold reducing the time of survival, but it seems that the occupants were probably killed by the impact or very soon after.
20 years old but highly regulated by Civil Aviation Authority, so most components will have been replaced over the years.
Also, many safety devices will have been added.
They are twin engined, but are powered through the same rotor and gearbox.
Travelling to Millom West platform, approximately 25 miles from the coast. This is a 'normally unattended platform.' People were obviously there on the day, probably performing some maintenance activity.
The helicopter had left Blackpool airport and visited two other platforms on its way to Millom West. It was due to return to Blackpool.
The people on Millom West saw the helicopter crash, and so were able to raise the alarm immediately. The helicopter did not send any distress signal.
According to Reuters on 28 December 2006 the helicopter veered to the left before crashing 500 metres short of the platform.
These helicopters can float, and given that no distress call was put out, it seems that this crash happened very quickly and violently.
Search and rescue conditions were considered to be relatively good with relatively calm seas, although it was dark. The sea would have been cold reducing the time of survival, but it seems that the occupants were probably killed by the impact or very soon after.
Petrofac Statement 28 December 2006
Following the helicopter crash off the coast of Morecambe Bay yesterday evening, Petrofac can confirm that one of its employees who was on board the helicopter is currently unaccounted for.
The relatives of our missing employee, Keith Smith, have been notified and support is being given to the family by Petrofac.
Petrofac continues to work closely with its customer Centrica and the relevant authorities on the search and rescue operation.
Keith Smith is seconded to Petrofac’s joint venture, Costain Petrofac.
Further information will be released as soon as it becomes available.
Media calls: 0845 271 2200
The relatives of our missing employee, Keith Smith, have been notified and support is being given to the family by Petrofac.
Petrofac continues to work closely with its customer Centrica and the relevant authorities on the search and rescue operation.
Keith Smith is seconded to Petrofac’s joint venture, Costain Petrofac.
Further information will be released as soon as it becomes available.
Media calls: 0845 271 2200
CHC Helicopter Corporation Statement 27 December 2006
VANCOUVER, Dec. 27 /CNW/ - CHC Helicopter Corporation ("CHC") (TSX: FLY.A
and FLY.B; NYSE: FLI) regrets to confirm that one of its Eurocopter AS365N
type aircraft crashed in the East Irish Sea at approximately 1835 hours, UK
time today (Wednesday December 27, 2006). Six bodies have now been recovered
from the area. The emergency services are presently continuing their search
for the remaining person involved. The aircraft was carrying five passengers
and two crew.
CHC President and Chief Executive Officer Sylvain Allard said: "All of us
are deeply, deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers
are with the families of the victims and we are doing everything we can to
help with the Search and Rescue operation. This is a small community and these
are our friends and family."
The accident happened near the North Morecambe platform, on a flight from
the Millom West platform to the North Morecambe platform. CHC is liaising
closely with the authorities in the ongoing search. Further details will be
released when more information becomes available.
For further information: For media and other inquiries, please contact:
Chris Flanagan, Director of Communications, CHC Helicopter Corporation, (778)
999-3175
and FLY.B; NYSE: FLI) regrets to confirm that one of its Eurocopter AS365N
type aircraft crashed in the East Irish Sea at approximately 1835 hours, UK
time today (Wednesday December 27, 2006). Six bodies have now been recovered
from the area. The emergency services are presently continuing their search
for the remaining person involved. The aircraft was carrying five passengers
and two crew.
CHC President and Chief Executive Officer Sylvain Allard said: "All of us
are deeply, deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers
are with the families of the victims and we are doing everything we can to
help with the Search and Rescue operation. This is a small community and these
are our friends and family."
The accident happened near the North Morecambe platform, on a flight from
the Millom West platform to the North Morecambe platform. CHC is liaising
closely with the authorities in the ongoing search. Further details will be
released when more information becomes available.
For further information: For media and other inquiries, please contact:
Chris Flanagan, Director of Communications, CHC Helicopter Corporation, (778)
999-3175
Centrica Statement 28 December 2006
Sam Laidlaw, Chief Executive, Centrica:
“All of us at Centrica have been deeply saddened by the events of last night. The priority for us is to provide as much support as we can to the family and friends and colleagues of those who died.
Those on board the aircraft involved in the tragic accident were:
From Centrica:
o Les Ahmed, married age 48, South Shields
o Alf Neasham, married age 57, Durham
o Jakie Shaw, married age 51, Fife
o Bob Warburton, married age 60, Heysham
From Costain Petrofac Limited:
o Keith Smith
From CHC Scotia - the helicopter operations:
o Steve Potton
o Simon Foddering
Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.
All of us who are involved with the production of gas at Centrica have made health and safety our highest priority. Despite the safety routines that are in place for every one of our shuttle flights, we have to come to terms with the terrible news that our colleagues have been lost during yesterday’s crash.
This is the first major incident to affect our operations in Morecambe Bay since they began 21 years ago.
I would also like to thank all of the local people and the agencies including the police, coastguard, lifeboat crews, RAF and indeed our own emergency response teams who have all assisted in the rescue operation so swiftly and professionally.
We will work closely with all involved to understand the circumstances which caused this terrible tragedy.”
Enquiries:
Centrica relatives-only help-line 01524 864585
Centrica Media Relations 01753 494085
Andrew Hanson 07979 566465
Scotia (helicopter operator) 01224 846001
Background information about Centrica can be found at www.centrica.com
Background information about Scotia the helicopter company can be found at www.scotia.ca
“All of us at Centrica have been deeply saddened by the events of last night. The priority for us is to provide as much support as we can to the family and friends and colleagues of those who died.
Those on board the aircraft involved in the tragic accident were:
From Centrica:
o Les Ahmed, married age 48, South Shields
o Alf Neasham, married age 57, Durham
o Jakie Shaw, married age 51, Fife
o Bob Warburton, married age 60, Heysham
From Costain Petrofac Limited:
o Keith Smith
From CHC Scotia - the helicopter operations:
o Steve Potton
o Simon Foddering
Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.
All of us who are involved with the production of gas at Centrica have made health and safety our highest priority. Despite the safety routines that are in place for every one of our shuttle flights, we have to come to terms with the terrible news that our colleagues have been lost during yesterday’s crash.
This is the first major incident to affect our operations in Morecambe Bay since they began 21 years ago.
I would also like to thank all of the local people and the agencies including the police, coastguard, lifeboat crews, RAF and indeed our own emergency response teams who have all assisted in the rescue operation so swiftly and professionally.
We will work closely with all involved to understand the circumstances which caused this terrible tragedy.”
Enquiries:
Centrica relatives-only help-line 01524 864585
Centrica Media Relations 01753 494085
Andrew Hanson 07979 566465
Scotia (helicopter operator) 01224 846001
Background information about Centrica can be found at www.centrica.com
Background information about Scotia the helicopter company can be found at www.scotia.ca
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