Tail Boom Separates From AW139

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Key Takeaways:

  • An AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter, operated by Qatar-based Gulf Helicopters, experienced an apparent tail boom structural failure.
  • The incident reportedly occurred while the aircraft was taxiing in Dohar, Qatar, preparing for takeoff.
  • Official confirmation and details regarding the circumstances or an investigation are scarce, with no information found on the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority's website.
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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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