Mechanical failure not to blame for Irish coastguard helicopter crash: investigators

There was no mechanical failure in the moments before the Irish coastguard helicopter crashed off the west coast of County Mayo last month, according to air accidents investigators on Saturday.

"The investigation is still at a preliminary stage. However, an initial analysis has been conducted of the data retrieved from the helicopter's Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) and the Multi-Purpose Flight Recorder (MPFR). No mechanical anomalies have been identified during this initial analysis," the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) said in a statement.

The AAIU, part of the Department of Transport, is responsible for the investigation of aircraft accidents in Ireland.

"The AAIU investigation is ongoing and a preliminary report will be issued in the near future," it said.

Meanwhile, efforts to lift the wreckage of the coastguard helicopter R116 have been delayed again due to rough sea conditions around the crash site.

Paul Ormsby and Ciaran Smith have been missing since the helicopter was lost in mid-March. The body of Mark Duffy was recovered from the wreckage. Captain Dara Fitzpatrick died in a local hospital. She was transferred to the hospital after being found in a critical condition.

There was no prior warning before the helicopter crashed, according to the Irish Coastguard.

The helicopter, Sikorsky S92, is one of four in regular operation by the Irish Coastguard. Endit