A technician with Cougar helicopters is in the process of inspecting one of the company’s helicopters, on board the Terra Nova FPSO, as of about 4:30 p.m.
The Cougar helicopter has been grounded on the Terra Nova FPSO, awaiting inspection, due to an indicator light aboard the aircraft being lit.
The helicopter successfully landed on the production vessel during its latest trip. However, while on approach, the indicator light — an “input module chip light” — became activated.
“On deck the crew discussed the matter with Cougar's maintenance control centre,” an incident bulletin from the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board stated.
“It was decided to shut the aircraft down and complete a restart. After restarting the light was still illuminated.”
Responding to questions, a spokeswoman for Cougar confirmed a company technician was brought to the oil platform by a second helicopter this afternoon and “the helicopter that transported Cougar’s engineer out has already returned to St. John’s with the passengers.”
The Terra Nova vessel was the only destination for the helicopter now being inspected.
Turn-arounds and machinery checks due to indicator lights have been regularly reported by the company. An incident in April 2011 involved the re-start of a helicopter at the Terra Nova FPSO.
That flight, while raising some concern among workers, returned without incident following a diagnostic check.
The Telegram will have more in tomorrow’s edition.
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... and in other news, the check engine light came on in my car this morning.