Bell 206B N3RL

Summary

On 11 May 2007 at about 17:45 local time, a Bell 206B registered N3RL was involved in an accident near E. Cameron 219, United States. 4 people were on board and 2 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

11 May 2007 at 17:45

Classification

Accident

Location

E. Cameron 219, United States

Coordinates

28.6506, -92.6619

Aircraft

Bell 206B

Registration

N3RL

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

E Cameron 219 C → E. Cameron 219

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DFW07LA109

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to establish a climb and maintian directional control of the helicopter while departing the offshore platform.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The commercial helicopter pilot, who reported having accumulated 179-hours in the same make and model aircraft, lost control of the helicopter while attempting to takeoff from an offshore platform. The pilot lifted the helicopter into a three to five foot hover and performed a final check of the "gauges." Reportedly the torque was indicating 96 percent and all other gauges were within "normal" parameters. The pilot then attempted to transition to forward flight. The pilot reported that the helicopter "appeared to settle as it approached the deck edge and did not feel like it was in transitional lift." After the helicopter crossed the edge of the deck, it entered into an uncommanded descent and right rotation. The pilot deployed the helicopter's floats prior to impacting the water. The pilot and passengers were able to egress the helicopter into a life raft unassisted. The temperature at the time of the mishap was 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At the time of the mishap, the helicopter was calculated to be 116 pounds below allowable maximum gross weight. A post-accident examination of the helicopter revealed no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.