Gearbox probe ordered on helicopter

Jul 16 2009

Crash investigators have ordered an urgent review of helicopter gears following the North Sea crash which claimed 16 lives.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) also called for a review of the checks used to identify debris particles in helicopter gear boxes.

The AAIB said the failed gearbox could have been removed from service before the accident if not for the "inappropriate diagnosis" of a debris particle.