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January 12, 2009 · Eurocopter AS350 · N193EH

Vermillion 229

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 12, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Vermillion 229
Aircraft
Eurocopter AS350
Tail Number
N193EH
Operator
Era Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA127

According to the pilot, he was departing the heliport at the oil rig platform and had brought the helicopter into a low hover. While in the hover, the tail rotor struck a two-foot vertical lightning rod attached to the platform edge causing damage to the tail rotor blades and horizontal stabilizer, wrinkling the tail boom, and displacing the tail rotor gear box. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter prior to impact. The pilot stated that he had observed the lightning rod placement during previous landings on the platform as well as during the current operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a known obstruction. Contributing to the accident was the location/placement of lightning rods in the landing zone.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he was departing the heliport at the oil rig platform and had brought the helicopter into a low hover. While in the hover, the tail rotor struck a two foot vertical lightning rod attached to the platform edge causing damage to the tail rotor blades, horizontal stabilizer, wrinkling the tail boom, and displacing the tail rotor gear box. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter prior to impact. The pilot stated that he had observed the lightning rod placement during previous landings on the platform, as well during the current operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 UTC
Nearest AirportVermilion 229 (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEurocopter AS350
Tail NumberN193EH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEra Helicopters
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAriel · 1D1 · Turboshaft · 712
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 5 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 43 C
Altimeter30.26 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data