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Helicopter Missing After Departing Gulf of Mexico Oil Platform; Debris Indicates High-Speed Water Impact (N39HC)

S Tim Blk 198, US

On January 27, 1991, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N39HC) operated by Evergreen Equity, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near S Tim Blk 198. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FOR UNDETERMINED REASON(S), THE HELICOPER CRASHED AT SEA (GULF OF MEXICO) IN AN AREA WITH A LOW CEILING, RAIN, AND THUNDERSTORMS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A helicopter departed an offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico but failed to make required flight following contact. Search hampered by weather; only debris found, showing high-speed impact signatures.

Departure and Communication

The helicopter took off from an offshore oil platform located in the Gulf of Mexico, with the intended destination being an onshore location. After departure, the pilot received a weather briefing that indicated adverse conditions in the area. The pilot failed to make the mandatory 15-minute flight following contact after departure, and as a result, the helicopter was presumed missing.

Search and Recovery

A search operation was initiated to locate the missing helicopter. However, the search efforts were hindered by inclement weather conditions. During the search, the main wreckage and the occupants were not located. Instead, only three items were recovered from the water: the lower flooring of the cabin section, a skid, and a main rotor blade tip. These items were found floating and were subsequently retrieved for examination.

Examination of Recovered Items

The recovered debris underwent examination. The examination revealed signatures consistent with a high-speed impact with the water.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jan 1991 Bell 206L-1 accident near S Tim Blk 198?

A helicopter departed an offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico but failed to make required flight following contact. Search hampered by weather; only debris found, showing high-speed impact signatures.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jan 1991 involved a Bell 206L-1, registration N39HC, operated by Evergreen Equity, Inc, at S Tim Blk 198.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FOR UNDETERMINED REASON(S), THE HELICOPER CRASHED AT SEA (GULF OF MEXICO) IN AN AREA WITH A LOW CEILING, RAIN, AND THUNDERSTORMS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16318. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.