On September 3, 2008, at 0023 universal time, a Bell 212, A6-AVL registered to and operated by Aerogulf Services Company LLC, collided with a crane during takeoff from an oil rig in the Persian Gulf. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The helicopter received substantial damage. The airline transport rated pilot-in-command, copilot, and five passengers were killed. The flight was departing from the Resilient Maersk oil rig en-route to another oil rig in the Rashid oil field. Witnesses stated the helicopter arrived from Dubai, landed towards the front of the helipad, and cargo was off loaded. The helicopter was then observed to lift off the helipad to a hover, turn left 180 degrees, moved rearward, and collide with the crane. The helicopter fell to the deck of the helipad and caught fire. This accident investigation is under the jurisdiction of the United Arab Emirates. Any further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: United Arab Emirates Chief of Regulations and Investigations General Civil Aviation Authority P.O. Box 3050 Dubai Telephone: 971-4-2111558 Fax: 971-4 2820847 This report is for informational purposes only and contains only information obtained for or released by the United Arab Emirates.