CH-149 Cormorant restricted to SAR operations only

File Photo - Airforce website

CFB WINNIPEG – The Air Force has imposed a flying restriction on its fleet of 15 Cormorant helicopters, temporarily limiting the aircraft to search and rescue operations only, following the discovery of a fuel leak on an engine main fuel supply line.

The discovery of the leak, made during a routine inspection at 19 Wing Comox last Thursday, is the second incident of this type to be discovered on this aircraft type. Last fall, a leak was found on a Cormorant stationed at 9 Wing Gander, NL. The incident was investigated at the time and considered to be isolated as the inspection of another high-time aircraft fuel line showed no sign of defect.

This second discovery prompted Major-General Marc Dumais, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division, to impose the restriction as a precautionary measure. “I believe it prudent to temporarily cease all non-operational flying, such as training and proficiency flights, until I am satisfied that a proper solution to this problem is implemented to prevent further recurrence,” said Major-General Dumais.

Since this second incident, EHI Industries, the aircraft manufacturer, has issued a precautionary inspection recommendation, which has been implemented by IMP, the aircraft maintenance contractor. The fuel lines on all 15 Cormorants were inspected and no further defective lines were found. However, the company continues to inspect the lines daily as part of the Cormorant pre-flight inspection routine. In addition, EHI Industries has recommended a mitigating plan to be executed in two phases.

The first phase of the plan will consist of installing an oversize Viton sleeve, a rubber-like tube, over the aircraft fuel lines to reduce the possibility of fuel being sprayed inside the engine compartment. This added protection is expected to be available for installation by Friday, February 6. The second mitigation phase will introduce a re-engineered fuel line on all three engines of the aircraft to completely eliminate the problem.

It is anticipated that the current restriction will be lifted shortly after completion of the first phase of the mitigation plan.