What happened
On the morning of the accident, a helicopter was operating near Venice, Louisiana. Prior to departure, the pilot had obtained a weather briefing indicating that visibility at the intended destination would be 2.5 statute miles with improving conditions. However, at approximately 0715, while located 40 nautical miles northwest of Boothville, Louisiana, weather conditions began to deteriorate.
The pilot attempted to execute a right turn and descend to an altitude where visibility was better and the surface of the water was visible. While performing this maneuver at a very low speed, the tail rotor struck the water. This caused the aircraft to yaw to the left, leading into a ditching maneuver at low speed near the water's surface. The helicopter impacted the water on its left side and immediately filled with water.
At the time of the accident, weather conditions in the area were characterized by fog. Reports from New Orleans (NEW) at 0653 indicated calm winds and visibility of 1/2 statute mile with a 100-foot indefinite ceiling. Later reports from Boothville (BVE) at 0751 showed winds from 180 degrees at 3 knots, visibility of 1/4 statute mile, and an indefinite ceiling of 100 feet.
There were no fatalities reported in the accident.