Cougar helicopter cleared after offshore incident

Passengers on a Cougar helicopter got a rougher ride than they wanted last Saturday.

Soon after taking off from the SeaRose Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) facility the helicopterexperiencedan unplanned increase in pitch and altitude, followed by a decrease in altitude, Husky Energy told the Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.

The helicopter crew was able to stabilize the aircraft into a steady hover, after which they performed equipment checks before continuing theirflight to St. John's.

The helicopter arrived in St. John's without further problems. It has since been checked over and returned to service.

Husky Technical Advisors are monitory Cougar's investigation into the incident.