Incident Overview
A helicopter experienced a mechanical failure while flying to an offshore oil platform. The oil cooler drive shaft on the number two engine sheared, prompting the flight crew to execute the prescribed emergency procedures. The crew decided to return to their departure location for a precautionary run on landing.
Sequence of Events
After returning to the departure helipad, the second pilot, who was flying the helicopter, attempted to taxi onto the pad. During this maneuver, the right main landing gear caught the edge of the helipad, causing the gear to collapse. The loss of control led to the tail rotor and vertical fin striking a tree and a fence. The helicopter then landed hard onto the helipad.
Engine Failure and Emergency Response
The shearing of the oil cooler drive shaft on the number two engine constituted the initial failure. The flight crew responded by performing the emergency procedure specific to that failure and initiated a precautionary return to the departure location. The source does not specify any further actions or communications.
Landing and Loss of Control
Upon arrival, the second pilot was handling the aircraft. As the helicopter moved onto the helipad, the right main landing gear contacted the edge, resulting in its collapse. This caused the helicopter to veer, striking a tree and a fence with its tail rotor and vertical fin before coming to rest after a hard landing on the helipad. The accident sequence ended with the helicopter on the helipad after the hard landing.