What happened
The helicopter was operating near an oil rig when it approached the landing platform for a touchdown. During the final phase of the approach, the aircraft's skid made contact with a safety net fence surrounding the designated landing area. This impact caused the safety net to break and destabilized the aircraft, causing it to rock over the side of the platform.
In an attempt to recover from this unstable position, the pilot initiated an autorotation into the adjacent water. The subsequent landing was hard, resulting in immediate structural damage. One of the helicopter's floats separated from the airframe upon impact with the water surface. Following the separation, the helicopter rolled over and subsequently sank into the water, which was approximately 200 feet deep at that location.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft following its recovery from the water. Examination revealed that the helicopter sustained significant damage due to the hard landing and subsequent submersion. The primary structural failure observed was the separation of one float, which occurred during the initial contact with the water surface after the aircraft had rocked over the platform edge.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that the initial contact between the skid and the net fence was the critical factor in the accident. This contact caused the safety net to fail and allowed the aircraft to move beyond the confines of the landing platform. The pilot's attempt to autorotate into the water, while a standard emergency procedure for loss of control, resulted in a hard landing that exceeded the structural limits of the float assembly.
The loss of one float contributed to the instability of the aircraft upon water entry, leading to the roll and eventual sinking. The depth of the water (200 feet) ensured that the aircraft was not recoverable after it sank. No injuries or fatalities were reported in this incident, as the event occurred over water with no mention of occupants being trapped or injured during the escape.
Safety message
This incident highlights the hazards of landing near obstructions such as safety net fences on offshore platforms. Operators must ensure that approach paths are clear of such obstacles to prevent skid contact and subsequent loss of control.