Coastguard Sikorsky S92 Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters operating out of Stornoway and Sumburgh have been cleared to resume flying
Coastguard Sikorsky S92 Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters operating out of Stornoway and Sumburgh have been cleared to resume flying. They were withdrawn from service on Friday 20 March after Sikorsky instructed operators of all S92 helicopters to ground them pending an urgent modification.
The potential problem was identified after a S92 helicopter crashed off the coast of Newfoundland on 12 March killing 17 of its 18 passengers and crew. CHC, which operates the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s helicopters under contract, has now carried out the necessary modification to the four Scottish-based S92s.
Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Sea King helicopters, from Prestwick and Lossiemouth respectively, provided SAR while the MCA helicopters were out of service.
