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Helicopter Accident on Oil Rig Helideck After Tiedown Rope Left Attached (N5370V)

Gulf OF Mexico, US

On October 29, 1993, a Bell 206L-3 (registration N5370V) was involved in an aviation accident near Gulf OF Mexico. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION IN THAT HE FAILED TO REMOVE A TIE DOWN ROPE. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S SELF-INDUCED PRESSURE. 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 tied down on an oil rig helideck due to high wind experienced an accident during takeoff when a tie-down rope was inadvertently left fastened. The pilot lifted off, felt a tug, then the nose pitched down, leading to main rotor contact with the tailboom and a hard landing.

Incident Details

A helicopter was secured to an oil rig's helideck with four ropes because of high wind conditions. During preparations for takeoff, the left front tie-down rope was inadvertently left fastened, attributed to the high wind and time constraints.

Sequence of Events

The pilot lifted the helicopter off the deck and initiated a left turn into the wind. Shortly after becoming airborne, the pilot felt a slight tug, which he attributed to turbulence. At an altitude of approximately two to three feet, the nose pitched abruptly downward. The pilot then experienced two quick mast bumps. His corrective control inputs, combined with the helicopter's attitude, caused the main rotor blades to contact the tailboom, severing the 90-degree gear box. Subsequently, the helicopter spun 180 degrees to the right and impacted the helideck on its left side.

Pilot Statement

The pilot indicated that he was influenced by the pressures of weather and mission completion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Oct 1993 Bell 206L-3 accident near Gulf OF Mexico?

A helicopter tied down on an oil rig helideck due to high wind experienced an accident during takeoff when a tie-down rope was inadvertently left fastened. The pilot lifted off, felt a tug, then the nose pitched down, leading to main rotor contact with the tailboom and a hard landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Oct 1993 involved a Bell 206L-3, registration N5370V, at Gulf OF Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION IN THAT HE FAILED TO REMOVE A TIE DOWN ROPE. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S SELF-INDUCED PRESSURE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13574. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.