Report identifies navigational issues as factor in Rescue 116 crash

A Sikorsky S-92A helicopter (Rescue 116), which was being operated by a private operator on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard, was enroute from Dublin to Blacksod, on Ireland’s west coast. The Flight Crew’s intention was to refuel at Blacksod before providing Top Cover for another of the operator’s helicopters, which had been tasked to airlift a casualty from a fishing vessel.

At 00:46 on 14 March 2017, while positioning for an approach to Blacksod from the west, the helicopter, which was flying at 200 feet above the sea, collided with terrain at the western end of Black Rock, departed from controlled flight, and impacted with the sea.

The bodies of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick and Captain Mark Duffy were found following the crash, but those of winch operator Paul Ormsby and winchman Ciarán Smith have never been found.

No controlled system in place

According to the report, helicopter operator CHC Ireland did not have a ‘formalized, standardized, controlled or periodic’ system in place. It found that Blackrock Island was missing from the helicopter's flight management system, meaning the crew were not warned that it was an obstacle on their route.

The inquiry identified correspondence on how obstacles, including Blackrock Island, were missing from helicopter warning systems. CHC Ireland said it was committed to implementing the report's safety recommendations. The company said it was investing in ongoing training and development, adding it was focused on delivering search and rescue services in ‘a safe and professional manner’.