A recent report by the Norwegian Accident Investigation Authority revealed that a technical failure in a circuit board that controlled the helicopter's nose position was the primary cause of the crash involving a Sikorsky S-92A helicopter on February 28, 2024, near Sotra. The helicopter was engaged in a search and rescue training mission for Bristow Norway under contract with Equinor when the incident occurred. According to Kåre Halvorsen, the aviation director at the authority, a specific fault in the trim actuator, which governs the nose position during autopilot flight, was identified as critical to the accident.

The crash transpired in dark conditions while the helicopter was attempting to position itself over a buoy. It suddenly pitched up uncontrollably to approximately 30 degrees, leaving the crew with merely three to six seconds to respond manually before losing control. Halvorsen expressed that during this critical flight phase, the crew could not react in time to regain control, which ultimately resulted in the helicopter moving backward and crashing into the ocean.

Survivors were reported to have been in the water for 45 minutes before rescue teams arrived. This incident raises significant concerns regarding the safety and reliability of helicopter technologies, particularly for operations in critical conditions, highlighting the urgent need for reviews and improvements in technical systems to prevent similar tragedies in the future.