Operator safety action
The operator issued an alert message for its fleet of S76 helicopters to undergo an inspection of the subject area. A defect report was also submitted to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Manufacturer safety action
As a result of this incident and a similar incident experienced by another Australian S76 operator in 1995, and following consultation between the operator, helicopter manufacturer and BASI; the manufacturer conducted a design engineering review of the cyclic stick base hardware to determine if it was possible to reduce the effect of foreign object entry to the tub area.
Following the review, the manufacturer advised that a field modification of the pilot's side bracket was being prepared to increase the gap between the torque tube rig boss and the bracket foot. On 28 August 1999, the manufacturer also advised of its intention to issue an Alert Service Bulletin, in due course, to address the results of the engineering review.
BASI safety action
BASI will monitor the progress of this manufacturer's proposed safety action.