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NTSB Report
August 30, 1986 · Bell 206L-1 · N3905G
Grand Isle
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 1986
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Grand Isle
Aircraft
Bell 206L-1
Tail Number
N3905G
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW86LA161
THE ACFT CRASHED INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO FOLLOWING A SUSPECTED ENG FAILURE SHORTLY AFTER LIFT OFF FROM AN OFFSHORE PLATFORM. THE PLT STATED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF, WHILE AT 40 KTS AND 200 FT ABOVE THE WATER, HE HEARD A LOUD SQUEAL FOLLOWED BY THE LOW RPM AUDIO AND A LOSS OF ENG POWER. HE ATTEMPTED TO INFLATE THE EMERGENCY FLOATS 2 OR 3 TIMES, BUT WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. THE ACFT LANDED HARD ROLLED OVER AND SANK. THE PLT EXTRICATED HIMSELF AND SWAM BACK TO THE RIG WHERE HE WAS FOUND SEVERAL MINUTES LATER ON THE LOWER BOAT DECK. THE WRECKAGE SANK AND WAS NEVER RECOVERED.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT CRASHED INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO FOLLOWING A SUSPECTED ENG FAILURE SHORTLY AFTER LIFT OFF FROM AN OFFSHORE PLATFORM. THE PLT STATED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF, WHILE AT 40 KTS AND 200 FT ABOVE THE WATER, HE HEARD A LOUD SQUEAL FOLLOWED BY THE LOW RPM AUDIO AND A LOSS OF ENG POWER. HE ATTEMPTED TO INFLATE THE EMERGENCY FLOATS 2 OR 3 TIMES, BUT WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. THE ACFT LANDED HARD ROLLED OVER AND SANK. THE PLT EXTRICATED HIMSELF AND SWAM BACK TO THE RIG WHERE HE WAS FOUND SEVERAL MINUTES LATER ON THE LOWER BOAT DECK. THE WRECKAGE SANK AND WAS NEVER RECOVERED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:45 UTC
Nearest AirportGrand Isle-43 (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireUnknown
Aircraft ExplosionUnknown
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206L-1
Tail NumberN3905G
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C28B · Turboshaft · 435
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 20 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:45
Weather SourceWFAC