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Security footage points to maintenance error after pitch‑change rod jams during servicing of Omni H160 that ditched off Brazil

Investigators are scrutinizing maintenance work on an Omni H160 that ditched off Brazil after security footage appeared to show a pitch‑change rod jamming in the cowling while a technician rotated the rotor during servicing. Authorities are probing whether the action contributed to in‑flight vibrations and the subsequent water landing.

Discovered 2026-02-06T10:23:56.826009-08:00 | 2026-02-06T10:23:56.826009-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Security footage allegedly shows a pitch‑change rod jamming in the cowling during on‑ground servicing, shifting the probe onto maintenance procedures and technician actions.
Investigators have already linked a pitch‑change rod assembly rupture and suspected bearing fatigue to the ditching sequence, and the new footage connects that mechanical analysis to maintenance handling ([source:06a75552-a3b6-4bd5-88f9-1b6518739278]).
The evidence follows preliminary findings that "significant vibrations" prompted the H160's emergency water landing off Rio de Janeiro, underscoring immediate safety and regulatory scrutiny for offshore H160 operations ([source:8b3c09f4-0ee2-4c6c-bb83-16ff75896f62]; [source:98146545-113d-4c41-a846-94fcf51da152]).

Reported By

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