Tail Boom Separates From AW139

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Key Takeaways:

  • An Augusta Westland 139 helicopter operated by Qatar-based Gulf Helicopters experienced an apparent tail boom structural failure.
  • The incident reportedly occurred while the helicopter was taxiing for takeoff from Dohar, Qatar.
  • Photos of the failure are circulating, but official confirmation and details on the circumstances are difficult to obtain.
  • While the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority is presumed to be investigating, there is no public information regarding their inquiry.
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Although official confirmation of the circumstances are hard to come by, photos have been circulating that show an apparent tail boom structural failure of an Augusta Westland 139. The aircraft was operated by Gulf Helicopters, a Qatar-based company that has more than 20 helicopters, including four AW139s. According to the forums, the failure occurred while the helicopter was taxiing in preparation for takeoff from Dohar, Qatar. Presumably the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority is investigating but there’s no mention of it on their Web site.

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