Incident Overview
A Bell 206B helicopter, operated by a pilot and carrying three passengers, arrived over a beached barge intended for landing. The pilot hovered above the barge while exposed to a left quartering tailwind of approximately 10 knots and over a moderate sea, with waves breaking against the barge.
Passenger Deplaning
While the helicopter hovered with its right skid resting on a structure on the barge, the two rear seat passengers deplaned through the right rear door without incident.
Observed Events
After the deplaning, one of the passengers who had left the helicopter observed a wave breaking against the barge, which caused water to spray upward onto the helicopter. Both deplaned passengers then witnessed the helicopter roll to the left and subsequently impact the water.
Equipment Notes
There was no evidence that flotation gear was available to the crew or passengers.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident.