Bell 206L-3 N81671

Summary

On 10 October 2003 at about 15:49 local time, a Bell 206L-3 registered N81671 was involved in an accident near W. Cameron 509, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

10 October 2003 at 15:49

Classification

Accident

Location

W. Cameron 509, United States

Nearest airport

West Cameron 509 platform (509)

Coordinates

28.4183, -93.0192

Aircraft

Bell 206L-3

Registration

N81671

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

High Island 330 → W. Cameron 509

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

IMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW04FA007

3 people died.

The pilot's loss of control following an inadvertent encounter with adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the prevailing thunderstorms, the low ceilings, and the miscommunication between the pilot and the company's communication center in obtaining in-flight weather advisories, including aircraft location.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The 18,913-hour non-instrument rated commercial pilot lost control of the helicopter after encountering adverse weather conditions while maneuvering to land at an offshore platform. The helicopter impacted into the ocean and sank in a water depth of 150 to 180 feet. The recovery of the remains of the helicopter was delayed for several days due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. Flight control continuity could not be established due to the extensive fragmentation of the wreckage. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any anomalies or discrepancies with the airframe or powerplant. The emergency floats were found not to be deployed. The helicopter was found to be within weight and balance limits during all facets of the flight. Radio communications between the operator's communications center and the pilot revealed misinformation concerning operational and weather conditions. Witnesses and company weather reporting stations reported weather conditions at the time of the accident as visibility varying between 1/4 statute miles and 3 statute miles, overcast ceilings varying between 100 feet above ground level (agl) to 1,300 feet agl, thunderstorms, and rain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.