On May 31, 2000, a Bell 206B (registration N7817S) was involved in an aviation accident near Cocodrie, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance during takeoff, which resulted in the tail stinger becoming entangled with the safety fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter pitched up during takeoff from an oil platform, falling 25 feet onto crew boats after its tail stinger became entangled with a safety fence.
What happened
During the initial phase of takeoff from an offshore oil platform, the helicopter experienced an abrupt pitch-up of its nose. This sudden change in attitude caused the aircraft to fall off the right side of the platform structure. The helicopter descended approximately 25 feet before impacting two crew boats that were moored alongside the platform's boat dock. Upon impact, the helicopter came to rest on its right side.
The investigation
A physical examination of the oil platform was conducted to determine the sequence of events leading to the accident. Investigators found that the helicopter's tail stinger had become entangled with the safety fence surrounding the takeoff area. This entanglement likely contributed to the loss of control and the subsequent fall from the platform.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance during takeoff, which resulted in the tail stinger becoming entangled with the safety fence.