Norway Helicopter Crash: Investigation Points to Circuit Board Failure

A technical failure in a circuit board controlling the autopilot system of a Sikorsky S-92A helicopter led to a fatal crash off the coast of Sotra, Norway, on February 28, 2024, according to a final report released by the National Accident Investigation Board. The crash resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to five others.

What Happened?

The helicopter, operated by Bristow Norway AS, was conducting a Search and Rescue (SAR) training exercise in nighttime conditions when it crashed into the sea after departing from Flesland Airport (ENBR). Investigators determined that a fault in the trim actuator – the component responsible for controlling the helicopter’s nose position during autopilot flight – was “absolutely essential to the outcome” of the accident. Source

The helicopter’s nose unexpectedly rose uncontrollably, leaving the pilots with only a few seconds to react and regain manual control. They were unable to do so before the aircraft impacted the water. The accident occurred while the helicopter was maneuvering to position itself over a buoy as part of the training exercise, with no external visual references available to the crew due to darkness. Source

Victim Identified

Reidun Hestetun, a 61-year-old Equinor employee, died in the crash. She was the last person to be retrieved from the sea following the incident. Source, Source

Criticism of Equinor and Bristow

The investigation also directed criticism towards Equinor, which awarded Bristow Norway the contract for SAR services in southern Norway in the spring of 2022. The Accident Investigation Board noted that the one-year deadline for Bristow to begin operations was unusually short for a contract of that complexity and scope. The board believes Equinor did not adequately consider the power imbalance inherent in the tender process. Source

The report also suggested that the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority should have requested risk assessments from Bristow Norway prior to the contract’s commencement. Source

Rescue Efforts and Safety Recommendations

Following the crash, a large-scale rescue operation was launched. Survivors were in the water for approximately 45 minutes before being rescued. The investigation found that no readily available resources could have reached the scene faster and potentially altered the outcome. Source

The helicopter’s automatic emergency floatation system and life rafts failed to deploy due to a loss of generator power. Sikorsky is now developing solutions to allow raft deployment even in the event of a capsize and automatic floatation system activation without generator power. Source

The Accident Investigation Board issued eight safety recommendations to various agencies as a result of the investigation. Source

Equinor’s Response

Mette Ottøy, Equinor’s director of joint operational support on the Norwegian continental shelf, acknowledged the report and expressed condolences for the loss of their colleague. She stated that Equinor will thoroughly review the findings and work with helicopter operators to implement lessons learned. Source