The Air Corps has today temporarily suspended operations in AW139 helicopters as a precautionary measure after the manufacturer issued a technical bulletin to all users of the aircraft.
Agusta Westland issued a mandatory notice of inspection following an AW139 crash off Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 19th, in which two crew and two passengers died.
The technical bulletin relates to the tail rotor blade of AW139 helicopters.
In a statement, the Air Corps said it adheres to all service bulletins, airworthiness directives and ongoing scheduled maintenance programmes for all aircraft in its fleet.
It said the temporary suspension of operations will be lifted when all aspects of the technical bulletin are resolved to the satisfaction of the Air Corps Military Aviation Authority(MAA).
The suspension of the AW139 will not affect the air ambulance function of the Air Corps, which will be carried out by Eurocopter EC135 aircraft.
“Like the AW139, the EC135 is capable of being fitted with a ‘Life-Port’ system which allows medical life support systems to remain operational during flights,” the Air Corps said.
The Agusta Westland helicopters have been in service with the Air Corps since November 2006 and have since flown over 5000 hours.