The Civil Aviation Authority of the UK, Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, and European Aviation Safety Agency have begun a joint review of helicopter operations in the North Sea in response to five accidents that have occurred during the past 4 years (OGJ Online, July 10, 2013).
The latest accident, in which four oil workers perished, occurred Aug. 23 while the helicopter was on approach to an airport in the Shetland Islands. In April 2009, all 16 persons aboard died when a helicopter crashed off Peterhead, UK. None of the other five accidents involved fatalities.
The new review, according to a statement, will “pay particular attention to” operators’ decision-making and internal management, protection of passengers and crew, pilot training and performance, and helicopter airworthiness.
It will compare UK and Norwegian helicopter operations.
Findings are due for publication early next year.
