In late 2018 the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) requested ATSB assistance to examine cylinders and associated components from the Lycoming engines installed in Robinson 22 and 44 helicopters. This technical assistance was provided to an AHIA sub committee that was examining a reported reduction in engine durability across Northern Australia.
To facilitate this work the ATSB initiated an external investigation under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003. The ATSB's assistance included:
- provision of a technical advisor to the AHIA
- examination of a number of cylinders from affected helicopters in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
- review and analysis of engine trend monitoring data from a number of similarly instrumented R22 and R44 helicopters.
This work has been completed and the results provided to the AHIA. Any further inquiries in relation to this issue should be directed to the Australian Helicopter Industry Association.
The information contained in this update is released in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.