Air Force effectively grounds NH90 fleet after engine failure

Updated
20/04/2017
Lloyd Burr

All eight of the Air Force's NH90 helicopters have been all but grounded after a mid-air engine failure near Blenheim on Sunday.

Newshub understands the $630 million fleet isn't allowed to fly over water or dangerous terrain, and cannot carry VIPs.

The restriction comes after the left engine of an NH90 failed while flying over Cook Strait on Sunday, forcing it to make an emergency landing at a private aerodrome at Cloudy Bay.

Air Force NH90 suffers inflight engine failure

The NH90 can fly on one engine, but it can't hover. It's understood the helicopter started to shudder and a fire warning activated in the cockpit (Josh Fogden/Mark Brown MediaWorks)

Crew made a controlled descent and made a rolling landing like an aeroplane, rather than a vertical landing according to witnesses (Josh Fogden/Mark Brown MediaWorks)

The NH90 fleet is only around six years old, and is one of the most advanced tactical airlift helicopters in the world.

The restriction has forced EQC Minister Gerry Brownlee and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman to cancel their visit to Kaikoura tomorrow because the NH90 they planned to use is not allowed to fly over the Cook Strait.

The Defence Force has been approached for comment.

Newshub.