Helicopter had returned to base twice before crash

A helicopter that crashed in Norway killing 13 people had to return to base twice in the days before the tragedy after a warning light was triggered.

Helicopter operator CHC confirmed that the Super Puma had to turn back to Flesland Airport in Bergen last Tuesday when the pilot spotted the indication light.

After a part was replaced, a test flight the following day was also aborted and another component changed when the light reappeared.

The company said the aircraft completed six commercial flights with no indications of problems on Thursday, the day before the fatal accident.

The helicopter was carrying two crew and 11 passengers from the North Sea Gullfaks B oil field, around 120km off the Norwegian coast when it crashed en route to Flesland.

Television footage has shown what appears to be a helicopter rotor blade spiralling down minutes before the helicopter crashed.

A statement from CHC said: “It is correct that the helicopter returned to base on Tuesday 26 April.

“The pilot had a warning light and returned to Flesland according to procedure.

“At Flesland the helicopter was inspected, according to procedure, and a part was replaced.

“Wednesday, the helicopter was taken on a test flight, where the warning light reappeared, the helicopter returned to base, changed another component, the next test drive was completed without any warning light.

“Thursday, the aircraft completed six commercial flights, all without any indication of problems. None of the changed parts were physically connected to rotor or gearbox.”

The statement added: “These returns to base are essential for flight safety and part of operating in a highly regulated industry.

“Speculation about the cause of the accident is unhelpful and we must also be careful to respect the feelings of the families who perished in the tragic events of Bergen,” it said.