Bell 206-L3 N6610E

Summary

On 26 August 1999 at about 16:55 local time, a Bell 206-L3 registered N6610E was involved in an accident near Main Pass 225A. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 August 1999 at 16:55

Classification

Accident

Location

Main Pass 225A

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Bell 206-L3

Registration

N6610E

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Boothville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW99LA240

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter. A factor was the tailwind condition.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot lost directional control of the helicopter while attempting to takeoff from an offshore oil platform. The pilot stated that the helicopter was facing downwind as he prepared to takeoff. He advanced the throttle, and about full power, the helicopter began sliding across the platform. He reduced the throttle, and the helicopter stopped for a few seconds, and then started sliding again. The helicopter turned 180 degrees to the left, into the wind, and then contacted the safety area around the perimeter of the helipad. The pilot said he applied throttle and collective to takeoff, but the helicopter began bouncing on the edge of the helipad, and then slid over the edge, and came to rest on the lower deck of the platform. The pilot reported that the wind was from the east-southeast at 25 knots. Postaccident inspection disclosed flight control continuity to the cyclic, collective, and tail rotor systems.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.