Bell 206-L1 accident near Wc 173, USA
On August 5, 2001, a Bell 206-L1 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Wc 173, USA. 3 people were seriously injured. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- August 5, 2001
- Place
- Wc 173, USA
- Aircraft
- Bell 206-L1 · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 0 fatal, 3 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 29.671°N, 92.918°W
- NTSB ID
- 20010817X01718
NTSB summary
On August 5, 2001, approximately 0700 central daylight time, a Bell 206-L1 helicopter, N2755N, registered to and operated by Air Logistics L.L.C., of New Iberia, Louisiana, was substantially damaged when it impacted the water after a loss of control during approach to an offshore platform (West Cameron 173) in the Gulf of Mexico. The commercial pilot and his two passengers received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on-demand air taxi flight. The flight originated from the company's Creole base, Creole, Louisiana, at 0630. According to the pilot, after an uneventful flight from Creole, the pilot initiated an approach to the platform into the wind, when the helicopter made an "uncontrolled, un-induced yaw to the right." He then attempted to turn to the right to stop the yaw and to maneuver away from the platform. As he increased power, the aircraft "went into an uncontrollable and rapid spin to the right." The pilot then closed the throttle and reduced power, which "slowed but did not stop the spin." Just as the pilot "pulled" collective, the aircraft impacted the water, rolled over, and sank. The wreckage was recovered from the water and examined at the operator's base in New Iberia, Louisiana, on August 7, 2001. Under the supervision of an FAA inspector, the pilot's and co-pilot's seats were removed and a flight control continuity check was performed from the anti-torque pedals rearward. All controls displayed freedom of movement and continuity existed rearward to
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain yaw control of the helicopter during approach.
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Browse: United States · Bell aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
