Investigation Report
Super Puma Rejected Takeoff Following Rotor Spindle Fatigue Failure
AAR 7-2010 G-PUMI
- AAIB
- Investigation Report
- AAR 7/2010
- Material fatigueMechanical failure
- Helicopter operationsInspection and maintenance
- HelicopterRotating machinery
- Operating and work proceduresPreventive maintenance
- Upstream oil and gas
- Onshore facility
Summary
Investigation of a Super Puma takeoff rejection at Aberdeen Airport following rotor spindle fatigue failure. Metallurgical examination, finite element modelling, fatigue tests and flight-load measurements examined assembly preload, wear and interference-fit stresses. The report describes revised spindle assembly arrangements and recommends reviewing options to extend helicopter health and usage monitoring into rotating systems.
Classifications: Material fatigue; metal fatigue.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Helicopter operations; offshore aviation; rotary-wing operations.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Helicopter; rotorcraft.
Classifications: Rotating machinery; rotating equipment.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
AAR 7/2010.