Tail Boom Separates From AW139

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Key Takeaways:

  • An AgustaWestland 139 helicopter, operated by Gulf Helicopters in Qatar, experienced an apparent tail boom structural failure.
  • The incident occurred while the helicopter was taxiing for takeoff from Doha, Qatar.
  • Photos circulating confirm the damage, but official details and confirmation of an investigation by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority are scarce or unconfirmed.
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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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