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NTSB Report
January 9, 1986 · Bell BH206L-1 · N2653
Gulf Of Mexico, LA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 9, 1986
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Gulf Of Mexico, LA
Aircraft
Bell BH206L-1
Tail Number
N2653
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW86LRD05
THE ACFT DESCENDED INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO FROM A 100 FT AGL HOVER AFTER THE PLT LOST YAW CONTROL DOWNWIND OF AN OFFSHORE OIL PLATFORM IN 35 KT WINDS. AS THE ACFT CAME TO A HOVER IT BEGAN A TURN TO THE RIGHT EVEN THOUGH IT WAS HEADED INTO THE WIND. FULL LEFT PEDAL DID NOT STOP THE SPIN ACCORDING TO THE PILOT WHO TRIED TO FLY AWAY RATHER THAN AUTOROTATE INTO 10 FT SEAS. THE ACFT CONTINUED TO SPIN AND THEN LOST ALT TO WATER CONTACT WHERE IT ROLLED AND STARTED TO SINK. THE PILOT ESCAPED THROUGH THE BROKEN WINDSHIELD.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT DESCENDED INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO FROM A 100 FT AGL HOVER AFTER THE PLT LOST YAW CONTROL DOWNWIND OF AN OFFSHORE OIL PLATFORM IN 35 KT WINDS. AS THE ACFT CAME TO A HOVER IT BEGAN A TURN TO THE RIGHT EVEN THOUGH IT WAS HEADED INTO THE WIND. FULL LEFT PEDAL DID NOT STOP THE SPIN ACCORDING TO THE PILOT WHO TRIED TO FLY AWAY RATHER THAN AUTOROTATE INTO 10 FT SEAS. THE ACFT CONTINUED TO SPIN AND THEN LOST ALT TO WATER CONTACT WHERE IT ROLLED AND STARTED TO SINK. THE PILOT ESCAPED THROUGH THE BROKEN WINDSHIELD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:57 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell BH206L-1
Tail NumberN2653
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C28B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 35 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO