Eurocopter France EC120B accident near Gulf of Mexico, USA
On February 12, 2007, an Eurocopter France EC120B (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Gulf of Mexico, USA. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- February 12, 2007
- Place
- Gulf of Mexico, USA
- Aircraft
- Eurocopter France EC120B · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 28.780°N, 92.541°W
- NTSB ID
- 20070223X00214
Official records · CHI07FA069
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On February 12, 2007, at 0811 central standard time, a single-engine turbine powered Eurocopter EC120B, N690WR, operated by ERA Helicopters LLC, was substantially damaged when it contacted an offshore oil production platform, Vermillion 200A, located in the Gulf of Mexico. The helicopter was approaching the platform to land when the accident occurred. The commercial pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan was filed. The flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 at the time of the accident. The flight originated from Vermillion 199 at 0807, with the intended destination of Vermillion 200A. Vermillion 199 is located approximately 4 statute miles southwest of Vermillion 200A. The last radio transmission between the pilot and dispatch was when the pilot reported departing Vermillion 199 and that he had 1.4 hours of fuel on board. Personnel on Vermillion 200A reported the pilot made a radio call stating that he was approaching the platform for landing. They stated they heard the helicopter, then they felt the platform shake. One person stated the helicopter sounded normal until the platform shook at which time the engine noise stopped. They stated they went outside and saw debris in the water on the north side of the platform. They also noted debris on the platform and damage to the flare boom at the north west side of the platform. None of the personnel saw the helicopter prior to the impact. The personnel reported the winds were out of the south at 20 to 25 knots w
Probable cause
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.
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Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
