On February 1, 1999, a Bell 206L-3 (registration N6603X) was involved in an aviation accident near West Delta 105B. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Contact between the helicopter's tail rotor and an offshore platform's windsock during final approach, resulting in loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter sustained tail rotor damage after striking an offshore platform's windsock during final approach, prompting a hovering autorotation landing.
What happened
During the final phase of approach to land on an offshore platform, the helicopter's tail rotor made contact with the facility's windsock. The pilot immediately detected a buzzing noise followed by a sudden right yawing motion of the aircraft. In response to the loss of directional control authority, the pilot executed a hovering autorotation maneuver, bringing the aircraft to a stop directly adjacent to the platform.
The investigation
Post-incident inspection of the windsock support frame revealed physical damage consistent with impact from the tail rotor blades. This evidence confirmed that the mechanical contact occurred between the rotating tail rotor assembly and the stationary windsock structure during the landing sequence.
Probable cause
Contact between the helicopter's tail rotor and an offshore platform's windsock during final approach, resulting in loss of directional control.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Feb 1999 Bell 206L-3 accident near West Delta 105B?
A helicopter sustained tail rotor damage after striking an offshore platform's windsock during final approach, prompting a hovering autorotation landing.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Feb 1999 Bell 206L-3 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Feb 1999 involved a Bell 206L-3, registration N6603X, at West Delta 105B.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Contact between the helicopter's tail rotor and an offshore platform's windsock during final approach, resulting in loss of directional control.
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