What happened
While on final approach to an oil rig located in the Gulf of Mexico, a helicopter experienced a total loss of tail rotor authority and directional control. In response to the loss of control, the crew initiated an autorotation toward the water. During this maneuver, the aircraft spun to the right, completing two to three revolutions before impacting the water.
Upon impact, the right flotation gear deployed successfully; however, the left flotation gear failed to deploy because the pneumatic lines were pulled apart during the crash. The helicopter subsequently rolled over during touchdown in the water. Of the 11 passengers on board, the crew and 10 passengers managed to escape through the emergency windows. One passenger remained in his seat due to being incapacitated by injuries and subsequently drowned, resulting in 1 fatality.
The investigation
An investigation into the mechanical failure determined that the #1 hanger bearing had overheated and disintegrated at an extremely high temperature. This disintegration led to the subsequent failure of the tail rotor drive shaft.