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Helicopter Ditches in Gulf of Mexico After Tail Rotor Blade Separation (N2785B)

South Marsh 113, US

On December 5, 1988, a Mbb BO-105 (registration N2785B) operated by Air Logistics was involved in an aviation accident near South Marsh 113. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: One of the tail rotor blades separated and struck a main rotor blade. The resulting imbalance caused the gearbox to separate and fall in the water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter experienced a tail rotor blade separation during climb, causing severe vibration. The pilot autorotated and deployed floats, landing on water. Occupants evacuated into a raft and were rescued approximately one hour later.

Incident

The helicopter was climbing through approximately 500 feet when the pilot heard a loud noise, felt a severe vibration, and observed debris falling in front of the aircraft. The pilot immediately began an autorotation and deployed the emergency floats. The helicopter subsequently landed on water in the Gulf of Mexico.

Emergency Response

After the water landing, the helicopter remained afloat. The occupants deployed and entered a life raft. They were recovered from the raft about one hour later.

Investigation

An investigation revealed that one of the tail rotor blades had separated and struck a main rotor blade. The resulting imbalance caused the gearbox to separate from the helicopter and fall into the water. The 90-degree gearbox, tail rotor hub, and tail rotor blades were not recovered from the Gulf of Mexico.

Probable cause

One of the tail rotor blades separated and struck a main rotor blade. The resulting imbalance caused the gearbox to separate and fall in the water.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Dec 1988 Mbb BO-105 accident near South Marsh 113?

A helicopter experienced a tail rotor blade separation during climb, causing severe vibration. The pilot autorotated and deployed floats, landing on water. Occupants evacuated into a raft and were rescued approximately one hour later.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Dec 1988 Mbb BO-105 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Dec 1988 involved a Mbb BO-105, registration N2785B, operated by Air Logistics, at South Marsh 113.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

One of the tail rotor blades separated and struck a main rotor blade. The resulting imbalance caused the gearbox to separate and fall in the water.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27426. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.