On January 29, 1992, a Bell 206L-3 (registration N65603) operated by Industrial Helicopters Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near E.i. Blk 108. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of visual reference during an approach in foggy instrument meteorological conditions, which led to controlled flight into terrain/water. 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.
A helicopter attempting to reach an offshore oil platform at dawn lost visual contact in foggy conditions and crashed into the water, sinking immediately with no mechanical issues reported.
What happened
The pilot of a helicopter based offshore attempted to navigate to a satellite offshore oil platform during the early morning hours. The flight took place under instrument meteorological conditions characterized by fog at dawn. As the aircraft approached the destination platform, the pilot lost visual reference with the ground or structure. Consequently, the helicopter impacted the water surface. Following the impact, the aircraft rolled over and sank.
The investigation
Post-accident review indicated that there was no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure reported by the pilot prior to the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of visual reference during an approach in foggy instrument meteorological conditions, which led to controlled flight into terrain/water.
What happened in the 29 Jan 1992 Bell 206L-3 accident near E.i. Blk 108?
A helicopter attempting to reach an offshore oil platform at dawn lost visual contact in foggy conditions and crashed into the water, sinking immediately with no mechanical issues reported.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jan 1992 involved a Bell 206L-3, registration N65603, operated by Industrial Helicopters Inc., at E.i. Blk 108.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of visual reference during an approach in foggy instrument meteorological conditions, which led to controlled flight into terrain/water.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…