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December 3, 1982 · Bell 206L1 · N2252Z
Gulf Of Mexico
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 3, 1982
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities), 2 uninjured
Location
Gulf Of Mexico
Aircraft
Bell 206L1
Tail Number
N2252Z
Operator
Petroleum Helicopters
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW83FA051
THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ACFT WAS HIGHER THAN HE INTENDED TO BE OVER THE PLATFORM & HAD SET UP A RIGHT DOWNWIND APCH. HE HAD TROUBLE KEEPING UP THE GROUND TRACK DUE TO STRONG GUSTY WINDS. HE WAS ALMOST OVER THE PLATFORM & MADE A LARGE CORRECTION & BEGAN LETTING DOWN. THE TURN TO FINAL APPROACH WAS LARGER THAN 180 DEG. AS HE WAS APPROACHING AT ABOUT 300 FT, 60 MPH & GETTING READY TO ARM THE FLOATS, THE ACFT BEGAN A SUDDEN RATE OF DESCENT. FULL COLLECTIVE WAS INEFFECTIVE IN STOPPING THE SETTLING & THE ACFT STRUCK THE WATER & CAPSIZED WITHOUT THE POP-OUT FLOATS BEING INFLATED. COMPANY FLIGHT OPERATIONS PERSONNEL STATED THAT THE APPROACH AS FLOWN BY THE PLT WAS NOT ACCORDING TO THEIR NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES.
Full Narrative
THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ACFT WAS HIGHER THAN HE INTENDED TO BE OVER THE PLATFORM & HAD SET UP A RIGHT DOWNWIND APCH. HE HAD TROUBLE KEEPING UP THE GROUND TRACK DUE TO STRONG GUSTY WINDS. HE WAS ALMOST OVER THE PLATFORM & MADE A LARGE CORRECTION & BEGAN LETTING DOWN. THE TURN TO FINAL APPROACH WAS LARGER THAN 180 DEG. AS HE WAS APPROACHING AT ABOUT 300 FT, 60 MPH & GETTING READY TO ARM THE FLOATS, THE ACFT BEGAN A SUDDEN RATE OF DESCENT. FULL COLLECTIVE WAS INEFFECTIVE IN STOPPING THE SETTLING & THE ACFT STRUCK THE WATER & CAPSIZED WITHOUT THE POP-OUT FLOATS BEING INFLATED. COMPANY FLIGHT OPERATIONS PERSONNEL STATED THAT THE APPROACH AS FLOWN BY THE PLT WAS NOT ACCORDING TO THEIR NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 UTC
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206L1
Tail NumberN2252Z
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorPetroleum Helicopters
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250C28 · Turboshaft · 435
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities), 2 uninjured
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total4
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 35 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point15 C / 32 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg