On August 1, 2002, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N25GH) operated by Helitrans Company, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near E Cameron 190. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter en route to a gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico executed an autorotation after engine power loss. During water touchdown, a main rotor blade struck the tail boom, causing damage.
Incident Overview
A commercial pilot with 2,500 flight hours conducted an autorotation maneuver after the helicopter's engine steadily lost power while en route to a gas production platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The pilot initiated the autorotation to the water.
Damage Details
During touchdown, a main rotor blade struck the tail boom, resulting in the separation of a section of the tail rotor drive shaft and damage to both vertical winglets. No other damage was reported.
Investigation Findings
The investigation noted no engine discrepancies or anomalies. The engine was examined and found to have no issues that would explain the power loss.