Investigation number
199100125
Occurrence date
Location
10 km N Busselton
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The aircraft was engaged in a medical evacuation flight carrying an injured crewman from a ship located west of Augusta. During the turn around at Augusta the pilot noticed that one corner of the polyurethane covering on one tail rotor blade was lifting. After consulting the company engineer in Perth the pilot cut the loose material from the blade and continued with the flight to Perth. Slight vibration was felt after approximately 30 minutes and 15 seconds later the vibration became severe. The pilot carried out a precautionary landing. An inspection of the tail rotor blades indicated that a significant amount of the polyurethane covering on the blade not modified by the pilot had been lost. The blade's polyurethane covering had been replaced approximately 4 hours before the occurrence. The bonding process used, although in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, was defective. The manufacturer had developed a new process prior to the occurrence, however, details of this had not reached the Sydney based overhaul facility at the time the cover was replaced.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Aerospatiale Industries
Model
AS355
Registration
VH-NJL
Serial number
5039
Operation type
Aerial Work
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Augusta WA
Departure time
1606
Destination
Bunbury WA
Damage
Substantial