THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, February 6, 1996 TAG: 9602060276
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short : 25 lines
The Navy and Marine Corps grounded all 343 of their Sea Knight helicopters last week after a technician in San Diego found a cracked rotor hub in one of the choppers during a routine inspection.
A Navy spokesman said Monday that each of the H-46 helicopters is being inspected before being allowed to return to service. The investigation, which does not require disassembly of the hub, takes about an hour. The service instructed each command to take care of inspecting its helicopters, shortening the time each is grounded.
Each Sea Knight has two rotors. The Navy uses the helicopters to haul people and equipment and for search and rescue missions at sea.
KEYWORDS: SEA KNIGHT HELICOPTERS MILITARY by CNB