On November 25, 2019 ExxonMobil reported that while en route to the Hebron Platform from St. John’s, Cougar Flight CGR151 had an indication of potential pressure loss on one of its redundant hydraulic pressure systems. There were 11 passengers and two flight crew onboard.
The helicopters flown offshore by Cougar have multiple, independent hydraulic systems and can fly safely with one system inoperable. Flight CGR151 returned to St. John’s and landed safely, with the Cougar SAR helicopter having been dispatched as per Cougar protocols. Local emergency crews were on stand-by in accordance with St. John’s International Airport procedures. These are standard precautionary measures in response to this type of indication.
The helicopter that experienced the incident will be repaired and returned to service. The Cougar Helicopters Maintenance Manager and Operations Manager reviewed the equipment failure against the Cougar “Safe to Fly” process, and there is no fleet-wide issue.
Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board are aware of the event and the C-NLOPB is monitoring ExxonMobil’s continued investigation.
Media Contacts:
Cougar Helicopters
Candace Moakler
Public Affairs Officer
(709) 691-1724
cmoakler@cougar.ca
C-NLOPB
Lesley Rideout
Communications Lead
(709)725-2900
lrideout@cnlopb.ca