On June 2, 1982, a Bell 206B-III (registration N2766U) operated by Commercial Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near West Cameron #4. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to distraction caused by the oil rig's automatic shut-in procedure, which involved loud bells and vibration. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter pilot was distracted by the automatic shut-in procedure of an oil rig, resulting in a tail rotor collision with a safety fence.
What happened
The incident occurred while the pilot was conducting an approach to Helideck Rig 498. As the aircraft drew near the landing platform, the facility initiated its automatic shut-in mode. This standard operational procedure is designed to depressurize the oil rig and is characterized by loud bells and significant vibration as various systems are secured.
The pilot reported that the sudden onset of these auditory and tactile stimuli served as a distraction during the critical phase of the approach. Consequently, the helicopter's tail rotor collided with the safety fence surrounding the helideck area. The impact resulted in damage to the tail rotor assembly.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to distraction caused by the oil rig's automatic shut-in procedure, which involved loud bells and vibration.
What happened in the 2 Jun 1982 Bell 206B-III accident near West Cameron #4?
A helicopter pilot was distracted by the automatic shut-in procedure of an oil rig, resulting in a tail rotor collision with a safety fence.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Jun 1982 involved a Bell 206B-III, registration N2766U, operated by Commercial Helicopters, at West Cameron #4.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to distraction caused by the oil rig's automatic shut-in procedure, which involved loud bells and vibration.
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