Australian Department of Defense, During a recent routine pre-flight inspection of a Sea King helicopter, Navy maintenance personnel discovered that two split pins were missing in a system which is not critical to flight safety.
The inconsistency was discovered through the diligence of junior maintenance crew during a pre-flight inspection.
As a precautionary measure, and as part of the normal air worthiness process, on 2 May 2007 the Squadron Commanding Officer temporarily suspended flying operations of all six Sea King helicopters in the Fleet to allow the matter to be fully investigated and appropriate inspections to be conducted on all Sea King aircraft. There was no effect on Navy’s operations.
“Navy takes this matter very seriously and has initiated a full investigation to determine the cause. This precautionary suspension of flying underscores Navy‘s ongoing commitment to the safety of our people. I will lift the suspension only when I am satisfied that it is appropriate to resume flying, which is expected by the end of this month,” Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas, said today.
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