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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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March 12, 2012 · Bell 206L-3 · N104LP

Southern Timbalier 52Ca

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 12, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Southern Timbalier 52Ca
Aircraft
Bell 206L-3
Tail Number
N104LP
Operator
Chevron Usa
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA191

The helicopter was tied down overnight on the helideck of an off-shore oil platform. The pilot stated that the helicopter preflight had been completed before sunrise, and the first flight of the day was scheduled 4 hours 30 minutes later. During the walk-around prior to the flight, the pilot overlooked the right rear tie-down, which was one of four connected to the fuselage. The pilot attempted to takeoff with the tie-down still attached to the helicopter, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. The helicopter remained on the helideck. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and the right side of the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection when he did not remove a tie-down strap prior to takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Full Narrative

The helicopter was tied down overnight on the helideck of an offshore oil platform. The pilot stated the helicopter preflight had been completed hours prior to the first flight. During the walk-around prior to the first flight of the day, he overlooked the right rear tie-down which was one of four connected to the fuselage. The pilot attempted to takeoff with the tie-down still attached to the helicopter which resulted in a dynamic rollover. The helicopter remained on the helideck. Substantial damage resulted to the tailboom and the right side of the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 UTC
Nearest AirportSouthern Timbalier 52Ca (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206L-3
Tail NumberN104LP
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChevron Usa
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C30P · Turboshaft · 490
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data