Eurocopter France EC120B N690WR

Summary

On 12 February 2007 at about 14:11 local time, a Eurocopter France EC120B registered N690WR, operated by ERA Helicopters, was involved in an accident near Gulf of Mexico, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 February 2007 at 14:11

Classification

Accident

Location

Gulf of Mexico, United States

Coordinates

28.7800, -92.5411

Aircraft

Eurocopter France EC120B

Registration

N690WR

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

ERA Helicopters

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Gulf of Mexico → Gulf of Mexico

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI07FA069

2 people died.

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with the structure extending from the offshore oil platform. Contributing to the accident was the gusty wind condition.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Personnel on the offshore oil platform reported hearing the helicopter approaching the platform to land. They then felt the platform shake at which time the helicopter engine noise stopped. One witness reported that prior to this the engine sounded normal. They stated they went outside and saw debris in the water on the north side of the platform, damage to the flare boom, and debris scattered on the platform. The helicopter and its occupants were later located and recovered from 101 feet of water, approximately 2,900 feet from the platform. The personnel reported the winds were out of the south at 20 to 25 knots when the accident occurred. The platform is oriented north/south with the helipad located on the south end of the platform. Two flare booms extend out over the water from the raised structure at the north end of the platform. These flare booms are approximately 100 feet in length. The flare booms, which are angled out toward the northwest and northeast corners of the platform, are angled up approximately 40-degrees. The helicopter contacted the flare boom located on the northwest corner of the platform. Examination of the helicopter and engine failed to reveal any mechanical failure/malfunction, which would have resulted in the accident. Data recorded in the Vehicle Engine Multifunction Display revealed recorded faults, which were associated with post impact system failures. The pilot had been flying off shore operations for approximately seven months prior to the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.