False alarm forces offshore helicopter to return to base (Canada)

A Cougar helicopter had to go back to land after a fire warning light turned on while the aircraft was on its way to a drilling rig, offshore St. John’s Canada, on Tuesday, September 1.

While the helicopter was 100 nautical miles from St. John’s and en route to the GSF Grand Banks drilling rig, Cougar Flight CGR151 experienced an intermittent Fire Warning Light on the #2 engine.

There were no secondary indications of fire. As per protocol, the crew initiated a return to St. John’s. Cougar declared a Level 2 Search and Rescue (SAR) and the SAR helicopter was dispatched to escort the helicopter back to base.

The flight arrived safely at the airport at approximately 10:30 a.m. The aircraft was carrying 10 passengers and two crew. Cougar Maintenance department inspected the aircraft and confirmed it was a false indication.