Accident Details
On September 22, a helicopter departed a vessel in international waters at approximately 12°52'N, 121°13'W to conduct a fish spotting mission. The aircraft was working an area 15 to 20 miles from the ship while being monitored on the vessel's search radar. At a bearing of 305° and 17 miles from the ship, the pilot advised he was returning to the vessel. Shortly thereafter, the pilot transmitted, "We are going down...the engine has stopped."
Search and Recovery
The vessel immediately proceeded to the last known radar position of the helicopter and initiated a search pattern, which was suspended at dusk. At 0900 hours on September 23, various pieces of fiberglass and an unopened inflatable raft were found. Shortly afterward, the body of the passenger was located.