MD900 Explorer, G-CEMS, 29 July 2011

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 December 2014

• Category: Commercial - rotorcraft
• Report type: Bulletin - Field investigation
• Date of occurrence: 29 July 2011
• Aircraft type: MD900 Explorer
• Location: Leeds Bradford Airport
• Registration: G-CEMS

MD900 Explorer, G-CEMS

Summary:

Approximately one minute after landing, and whilst stationary on the ground, the forward cross tube of the helicopter’s skid landing gear fractured, damaging the helicopter but not causing any injuries to the crew onboard. The forward cross tube had failed due to a fatigue crack beneath the right side stop clamp. It was determined that although the clamp had not been removed from the cross tube during scheduled maintenance, as required by the Rotorcraft Maintenance Manual, the maintenance instructions were ambiguous regarding the requirement to inspect of the area of the forward cross tube beneath the side stop clamps. Two Safety Recommendations have been made.

Download report:

MD900 Explorer G-CEMS 05-12.pdf (19,519.42 kb)

Published 10 December 2014