Helicopter maker must fix engine anti-icing systems after a fire
What happened
The US aviation regulator is ordering inspections and repairs for all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189 helicopters. This follows a report of a fire during a routine check of the engine anti-icing system.
Why it matters
A fire on an aircraft is a serious problem. This order means every operator of this specific helicopter model must now ground their aircraft for inspections and potential repairs. This will add unexpected costs and downtime for operators, and it means the manufacturer has a new liability.
The signal
Watch for reports of how many helicopters are affected and how long the repairs take, which will indicate the scale of the problem and the cost to operators.