MD900 Explorer, G-CEMS
Date of occurrence: 29 July 2011
Approximately one minute after landing, and whilst stationary on the ground, the forward cross tube of the helicopter’s skid landing gear fractured, damaging the helicopter but not causing any injuries to the crew onboard. The forward cross tube had failed due to a fatigue crack beneath the right side stop clamp. It was determined that although the clamp had not been removed from the cross tube during scheduled maintenance, as required by the Rotorcraft Maintenance Manual, the maintenance instructions were ambiguous regarding the requirement to inspect of the area of the forward cross tube beneath the side stop clamps. Two Safety Recommendations have been made.
MD900 Explorer, G-CEMS
G-CEMS
MD900 Explorer
Leeds Bradford Airport
29 July 2011
Commercial Air Transport - Rotorcraft
Approximately one minute after landing, and whilst stationary on the ground, the forward cross tube of the helicopter’s skid landing gear fractured, damaging the helicopter but not causing any injuries to the crew onboard. The forward cross tube had failed due to a fatigue crack beneath the right side stop clamp. It was determined that although the clamp had not been removed from the cross tube during scheduled maintenance, as required by the Rotorcraft Maintenance Manual, the maintenance instructions were ambiguous regarding the requirement to inspect of the area of the forward cross tube beneath the side stop clamps. Two Safety Recommendations have been made.



