Accident Overview
A single-engine helicopter crashed into the Gulf of Mexico during a dark night offshore flight. A partial debris field was located, but the helicopter was not recovered and is presumed destroyed. The accident occurred while the pilot was transporting parts to an offshore platform.
Pilot Information
The pilot held an airline transport rating and had accumulated approximately 15,000 flight hours. According to the autopsy report, the pilot died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries sustained in the accident. Toxicological tests were negative for alcohol and all screened drug substances.
Aircraft Information
The operator reported that the airframe and engine had accumulated approximately 730 total hours. The helicopter flight manual and maintenance records were aboard the helicopter and not recovered. The date and type of the most recent continuous airworthiness inspection were not determined.
Operational Details
A company dispatcher stated that the pilot departed the mainland with a load of parts for an offshore platform. For the flight to the platform, the pilot estimated an en route time of 1 hour and 30 minutes and estimated a total fuel on board of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Investigation
The investigation is ongoing. The probable cause of the accident has not been determined.