Airbus Helicopters Proactively Releases an EASB in Response to H160 Ditching in Brazil

Why It Matters

The proactive bulletin safeguards the H160 fleet by addressing a potential rotor‑failure mode before the root cause is confirmed, reinforcing regulatory compliance and operator confidence.

Key Takeaways

• H160 ditched in Brazil after vibration, all survived
• Damage found on tail‑rotor drive line and main rotor
• Airbus issued EASB mandating pitch‑rod end replacement
• EASA released emergency AD alongside Airbus bulletin
• Proactive action aims to prevent similar rotor failures

Pulse Analysis

The Brazil incident underscores how unexpected vibration signatures can precipitate catastrophic rotor‑system failures in modern helicopters. While the H160’s emergency flotation system performed as designed, the subsequent forensic analysis highlighted a critical weakness in the main‑rotor pitch‑rod assembly—a component that translates pilot inputs into blade angle changes. Such failures, though rare, can compromise lift control and have historically driven fleet‑wide inspections across the rotorcraft sector. By mandating early replacement of the pitch‑rod ends, Airbus is pre‑empting a failure mode that could otherwise manifest after thousands of flight hours, thereby extending the safety envelope of the aircraft.

From a regulatory perspective, the coordinated response between Airbus, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and Brazil’s CENIPA illustrates the global nature of aviation safety oversight. The Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by EASA carries immediate compliance obligations for operators, while the Airbus Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) provides detailed service instructions and part numbers. This dual‑track approach accelerates corrective action, reduces downtime, and aligns with ICAO Annex 13 requirements for timely dissemination of safety information. Operators benefit from clear guidance, enabling maintenance teams to schedule part swaps without awaiting a formal service bulletin revision.

Beyond the immediate technical fix, the episode signals a broader industry shift toward proactive risk mitigation. Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging real‑time flight data and predictive analytics to identify fatigue hotspots before they result in in‑service incidents. Airbus’s decision to act without a definitive root‑cause finding reflects a growing emphasis on safety‑first culture, where preserving public trust and operational continuity outweighs commercial hesitation. As rotorcraft fleets expand globally, such anticipatory measures will likely become standard practice, fostering a more resilient aviation ecosystem.

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 2 January 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 flotation 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), which 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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Contacts

• Laurence Petiard – Airbus Helicopters

  Phone: [phone]

  Email: [email protected]

• Belén Morant – Airbus Helicopters

  Phone: [phone]

  Email: [email protected]