Airbus Helicopters proactively releases an EASB in response to H160 ditching in Brazil

Marignane, France, 09 January 2026 - Airbus Helicopters was informed of an event that occurred on a H160 operated in Brazil on January 2nd 2026.

During a cruise flight, the pilots felt significant vibrations and decided to ditch. The pilots performed a controlled water landing, and as per design, the emergency floatation system was activated. All eight people on board evacuated to life rafts and were safely rescued. 

The official investigation has been launched by the Brazilian investigation board (CENIPA) assisted by the French investigation board (BEA) in accordance with ICAO annex 13 requirements. 

After recovery of the aircraft, damage was observed on the tail rotor drive line and on the main rotor, including rupture of a main rotor pitch rod. 

As a precautionary measure and without presuming the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, Airbus Helicopters has decided to proactively release an Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) to require the replacement of the main rotor pitch rod ends after a certain number of flight hours. We are working closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) who has also issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD).

Safety is paramount to us at Airbus Helicopters. It lies at the heart of all our activities and is our absolute priority. Our primary objective is to ensure the continued safe transportation of every person that flies in an Airbus helicopter. This is why we are mandating the replacement of this component while the root cause of the fracture remains under investigation.

Airbus Helicopters will be working closely with its customers to support the replacement of the parts. 

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