On September 7, 2000, a Bell 206-L1 (registration N27680) was involved in an aviation accident near Eugene IS 296B. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter experienced a loss of engine power while on final approach to an offshore oil platform. The pilot performed an autorotation and landed hard on rough ocean water. Fuel calculations suggested possible fuel exhaustion, but the sunken wreckage prevented verification.
Incident Overview
A helicopter lost engine power while on final approach to an offshore oil platform. The pilot initiated an autorotation and subsequently landed hard on the rough, choppy ocean surface. Following the landing, the helicopter sank to the bottom of the sea.
Fuel Considerations
According to fuel consumption calculations provided by the operator, the helicopter could have been at or near fuel exhaustion at the time of the accident. However, because the aircraft sank, it was not possible to verify the remaining fuel or examine aircraft systems.
Investigation Outcome
Due to the inability to inspect the wreckage and fuel system, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined conclusively. The investigation did not identify a definitive cause.