Sikorsky S 76B N707MY

Summary

On 5 December 2013 at about 14:20 local time, a Sikorsky S 76B registered N707MY, operated by Mayeux's Flying Service Inc, was involved in an accident near Port Fourchon, Louisiana, United States. 10 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 December 2013 at 14:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Port Fourchon, Louisiana, United States

Nearest airport

Myu (LS97)

Coordinates

29.9297, -90.3539

Aircraft

Sikorsky S 76B

Registration

N707MY

Category

Helicopter

Year built

1986

Engines

2

Operator

Mayeux's Flying Service Inc

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Port Fourchon → Offshore

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN14CA082

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's loss of control of the helicopter when it entered a settling with power condition during sudden gusty wind conditions on takeoff resulting in the helicopter subsequently impacting terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was departing from a helipad and all cockpit instrument indications were "in green" status. Wind was very calm to none and the pilot verified it by looking at two flags on an offshore vessel. Another aircraft took off from the helipad and departed to the east. The pilot hover taxied to the west of the flight area with a right petal turn. He rechecked the instruments, which were "all normal." He added power and the flight was normal as the helicopter was climbing. The helicopter was about 40 to 50 feet over a roadway and it started to settle. He added more power and it looked as if it was going to recover. Then the helicopter started to sink again. There were occupied trailers under the helicopter and obstacles blocking a nearby field. The pilot elected to head left of course for less impact with anything on the ground or with property. The helicopter impacted terrain where it sustained substantial tailboom and fuselage damage. The pilot reported that the helicopter was within weight and balance requirements and that there were no mechanical malfunctions. Following the impact, he noticed that the previously observed flags were now showing the wind was blowing and gusting from the southwest direction.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.