Airbus Helicopters has released an Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) mandating the replacement of main rotor pitch rod ends after 165 hours in all H160s, following reports of “significant vibrations” in one of the manufacturer’s new mediums that forced it to ditch off the coast of Brazil Jan. 2.
The Omni Táxi Aéreo-operated aircraft, which had two pilots and six passengers on board, was flying offshore from Cabo Frio Airport, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) east of Rio de Janeiro.
“The pilots performed a controlled water landing, and as per design, the emergency floatation system was activated,” said a statement released by Airbus Helicopters.
All eight evacuated the aircraft safely, and were soon released from hospital following precautionary checks.
“Omni extends its sincere thanks to the Brazilian Navy for their swift and professional search and rescue support, as well as to all parties involved in the successful operation,” the operator said in a statement.
The investigation into the ditching is being led by the Brazilian investigation board (CENIPA), assisted by the French investigation board (BEA).
“After recovery of the aircraft, damage was observed on the tail rotor drive line and on the main rotor, including rupture of a main rotor pitch rod,” said Airbus, in a statement announcing the release of the EASB.
It said the replacement of the main rotor pitch ends was “a precautionary measure.”
“Our primary objective is to ensure the continued safe transportation of every person that flies in an Airbus helicopter,” the company said. “This is why we are mandating the replacement of this component while the root cause of the fracture remains under investigation.”
Airbus said it is also working closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which has also issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive mandating the manufacturer’s recommendation to replace the main rotor pitch ends.
The H160 entered commercial service in 2022, and there are now more than 50 flying around the world, logging a combined total of more than 15,000 flight hours.
The oil-and-gas sector is one of the main markets for the type, which made its debut in the field in 2024 with PHI in the Gulf of Mexico. It started offshore operations with Omni in Brazil just last year.
