Offshore Helicopter Flight Abandoned After False Fire Alarm

There are a number of dangers that an offshore oil rig worker is exposed to, and one of these is the risk that a worker faces every time he takes a helicopter flight to or from an oil rig or platform. Offshore oil workers make frequent trips between shore and land, and these trips are not without their dangers.

Last week, nine passengers on an offshore helicopter operated by Cougar Helicopter had a frightening experience, when their helicopter had to abandon the flight after a fire alarm. It was later found that the fire alarm was false.

The helicopter was on its way to the Terra Nova offshore site, which is located about 30 km east of St. John’s. During the flight, the pilot suddenly had a warning about an engine fire. The decision was made to abandon the flight, and return to shore. The helicopter landed safely, but there was no fire, and no other alarm was alerted. None of the passengers on board were reported to be injured.

According to Cougar, the false fire alarm was likely the result of a defective fire detection sensor, which triggered a false alert. The sensor is being replaced and tested.Most offshore helicopter crashes can be traced to lack of helicopter maintenance and repairs, defective helicopter parts, pilot fatigue, or pilot error.

The maritime attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers represent offshore oil rig and platform workers who are injured in accidents.