An S-92 helicopter operated by Cougar Helicopters in Greenland was pulled from service last week following a problem with an over-inflated fuel cell.
It occurred as the S-92 was being refuelled on the deck of the rig Stena Don, which is drilling exploration wells off the coast of Greenland for Cairn Energy.
Hank Williams, Cougar’s East Coast general manager, said the fuel tank did not rupture.
“There was no fuel leak.”
Williams said refuelling takes place once passengers have disembarked from the helicopter.
The helicopter hitched a ride back to shore on a supply boat.
“We could have flown it off the deck, but you don’t do that until you’ve had an inspection of the fuselage,” said Williams.
“The inspection is complete and the aircraft is having the new sponson put on, and hopefully returns to service by Wednesday.”
Fuel cells are located in the sponsons on either side of the S-92.
As a precaution, Cougar sent the old sponson back to Sikorsky for analysis.
Cougar has three S-92 helicopters in Greenland, supporting offshore oil and gas exploration.
The company’s contract with Cairn to transport workers offshore and to provide search and rescue services wraps up at the end of October.
mbaird@thetelegram.com
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