Rolls-Royce reverses into helicopter row

AFTER an autumn advance in the share price, the pandemic once again pummelled Rolls-Royce last week, as the engine maker’s airline customers faced new Covid travel curbs.

Another headache emerged in the US, where aircraft supplier Provine Helicopter Service is seeking damages after a crash in 2019.

A Bell Jet Ranger on an agricultural spraying mission in Texas suffered a loss of power after take-off and crash landed.

Court papers filed in Greenville, Mississippi, seen by The Mail on Sunday, claim the crash was due to a faulty compressor wheel supplied by Rolls-Royce which fractured after takeoff. Provine alleges the helicopter had had ‘minimal usage’ and that Rolls ‘should have known of this latent defect’ and issued a warning or recall notice. ‘Provine demands compensatory and consequential damages,’ it adds.

It’s one to keep an eye on for chief executive Warren East and new chairman Anita Frew, who have been busy touring investors since facing public criticism from investor Causeway Capital.

Rolls-Royce declined to comment. Provine could not be reached.