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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Strikes Water After Losing Visual Reference During VFR Flight in IMC (N882BT)

Port O'connor, TX, US

On September 12, 1990, a Bell B206LI (registration N882BT) operated by Industrial Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Port O'connor, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S DECISION TO FLY INTO THE KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER AND THE WEATHER/LIGHT CONDITIONS. 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.

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

A helicopter on a VFR flight to an offshore platform encountered low ceiling and rain showers. After entering a heavy rain shower, the pilot descended while trying to maintain visual contact with a platform light. The right skid hit the water, causing the helicopter to tumble and impact the water. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Departure and Weather Conditions

The helicopter departed at dawn for a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from a coastal base en route to an offshore oil platform. The flight was conducted in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), with a low ceiling and rain showers passing through the area.

Event Sequence

After the helicopter flew past the shoreline, it penetrated a heavy rain shower. The pilot descended the helicopter and attempted to maintain visual contact with a light on an oil platform located in his line of sight.

Impact and Wreckage Examination

The right skid of the helicopter dipped into the water, causing the helicopter to tumble forward and impact the water. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any mechanical malfunction.

Passenger Account

The passenger reported that it was dark during the departure, with the light on the rig being the only thing visible. He remembered the pilot flying the helicopter into the water with no warning lights or horns activated prior to impact.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Sept 1990 Bell B206LI accident near Port O'connor, TX?

A helicopter on a VFR flight to an offshore platform encountered low ceiling and rain showers. After entering a heavy rain shower, the pilot descended while trying to maintain visual contact with a platform light. The right skid hit the water, causing the helicopter to tumble and impact the water. No mechanical…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Sept 1990 involved a Bell B206LI, registration N882BT, operated by Industrial Helicopters, Inc., at Port O'connor, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S DECISION TO FLY INTO THE KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER AND THE WEATHER/LIGHT CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24267. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.