Helicopter on navy frigate damaged in Gulf of Oman

1.00pm

The navy frigate on anti-terrorist patrol in the Gulf of Oman is without its "eyes and ears" after its Seasprite helicopter was damaged during a routine engine test.

The helicopter on the Anzac class frigate HMNZS Te Mana is likely to be replaced by another Seasprite from New Zealand and be shipped home for repairs.

The engine was immediately shut down when the main rotor got the "wobbles" soon after it was started on May 22.

An inquiry team has been sent to the Gulf to assess the damage but it is believed the excessive vibration may have caused structural damage to the airframe.

Defence spokesman, Squadron Leader Ric Cullinane said the helicopter could not be flown and would have to be lifted from Te Mana by another helicopter or crane.

He said the ship was still on patrol as part of the Operation Enduring Freedom, the multi-national task force hunting for terrorists and sympathisers in the Gulf.

"Essentially it is without the eyes and ears that that aircraft provides," Sqn Ldr Cullinane said.

The Seasprite is too big to fit inside a Hercules and Sqn Ldr Cullinane said they were looking at ways of bringing the helicopter back to New Zealand for repairs.

Te Mana has been in the region since April and was due to return to New Zealand in September.

- NZPA