On January 8, 2001, a Bell 206-L3 (registration N142DP) operated by Rotorcraft Co. Llc was involved in an aviation accident near WC 368. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Apparent fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter transporting passengers to an oil platform executed a forced water landing in the Gulf of Mexico after a loss of engine power. Examination revealed low fuel levels, and the operator cited apparent fuel exhaustion.
Incident Overview
A helicopter was operating offshore, transporting passengers to an oil platform, when the pilot performed a forced water landing (autorotation) into the open ocean in the Gulf of Mexico following a loss of engine power. The operator's flight following records indicated that the helicopter had been in operation for approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes after being fueled with 98 gallons of fuel (a duration of about 2 hours and 40 minutes).
Investigation Findings
After the helicopter was recovered, an examination of the aircraft revealed approximately 1.2 gallons of Jet-A fuel remaining in the fuel tanks. The fuel quantity indicator and the "Fuel Low" warning system light were tested and found to function normally. The operator stated that the reason for the forced landing was "apparent fuel exhaustion."