On August 13, 2003, a Bell 206L-3 (registration N41128) operated by Petrolium Helicopters Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near E.i. 276, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions and the directional control not obtained/maintained by the pilot during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An offshore helicopter rolled right and off the helideck during takeoff, resulting in substantial damage. Witnesses reported increasing winds and rain. Examination found witness marks and paint transfer.
Accident Details
An on-demand offshore helicopter sustained substantial damage when it rolled to the right and departed the platform during takeoff, according to a witness. The helicopter had been conducting an offshore operation and was departing from a helideck. Visual meteorological conditions were present at the time of the accident. Examination of the wreckage and the helideck revealed witness marks and paint transfer on both the deck and the helicopter's right landing skid.
Witness Accounts
A passenger aboard the flight reported that, prior to the accident, the distance between the helicopter's right landing gear skid and the refueling station was sufficient to allow two people to walk through. Witnesses stated that the helicopter had landed next to the refueling station on the helideck with a left crosswind of 10–20 mph. One witness noted that the winds subsequently increased to 45–50 mph with misting rain. Another witness described the wind as high and increasing in intensity, with rain present and a bolt of lightning observed in the vicinity.
Examination Findings
No anomalies were identified with the helicopter's propulsion or flight control systems during the post-accident examination. The damage classification is substantial.