One of a total of three medium multi-purpose Bell-412 helicopters, which the Air Force of the Army of Montenegro has at its disposal, was badly damaged in an incident that happened recently at the "Knjaz Danilo" military airport in Golubovci.
According to the "Vijesti" source, who wished to remain anonymous, the incident did not occur during flight operations or intensive training of military pilots, but while the helicopter was on the ground.
Allegedly, due to the carelessness of the crew, there was a physical and thermal overload of the engine and transmission on the helicopter, which was motionless on the ground for too long while its engines were running and turning the rotor propeller.
In this way, there was a serious accident on the so-called helicopter turboshaft engines and on a very complex rotor transmission assembly.
According to unofficial information, the damage is still being assessed, and ranges from half a million to almost a million euros.
Another source familiar with the event said that the amount of the preliminary damage assessment is 700.000 euros.
According to the "Vijesti" source, severe mechanical damage to the helicopter occurred while both pilots and an aircraft mechanic were in the aircraft.
"I think that this is not about carelessness, but about the incomprehensible complete lack of attention of the helicopter crew and the neglect of the basic parameters in which the normal exploitation of an aircraft of this type must be carried out, but this will definitely be determined by the investigation because a commission was formed to assess the damage and determine the cause of this extraordinary event," said one of the "Vijesti" sources.
Another "Vijesti" source said that the pilots loaded the helicopter's engines with 112% power, while the maximum allowed by the manufacturer is 103%.
According to him, one of the two engines was destroyed, and the question is what is the condition of the other engine and transmission.
According to that interlocutor, the incident happened on January 17.
"Vijesti" learned that a preliminary inquiry was sent to the company in Warsaw, which is in charge of the overhaul and repair of helicopters according to the contract.
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