Many of the existing civil helicopter fleet are not fitted with a crash-resistant fuel system, or do not have an equivalent level of safety associated with post-impact fire prevention.
The ATSB welcomes the ongoing action by the NTSB and FAA to increase the number of helicopters fitted with crash‑resistant fuel systems but notes that this action only applies to newly‑manufactured helicopters. Given the elapsed time since the safety recommendation was issued without advice of any safety action, the ATSB has closed the safety issue as not addressed.
The ATSB recommends that the United States Federal Aviation Administration take action to increase the number of existing helicopters that are fitted with a crash-resistant fuel system or have an equivalent level of safety in respect of post-impact fire.
The ATSB recommends that the European Aviation Safety Agency take action to increase the number of existing helicopters that are fitted with a crash-resistant fuel system or have an equivalent level of safety in respect of post-impact fire.
