Incident Details
A commercial helicopter pilot with 1,236 flight hours, including 79 hours in the same make and model, was attempting a takeoff from a helipad on an offshore platform. After performing a pre-departure check of engine instruments, the pilot increased collective pitch to gain altitude and lowered the nose to acquire forward airspeed. As the helicopter approached the edge of the 28-by-28-foot helipad, the nose yawed to the left and the aircraft began to descend. The helicopter's right skid struck a solar panel mounted on the heliport railing. The helicopter then continued over the edge and descended vertically into the water approximately 70 feet below.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he believed a partial loss of engine power occurred, leading to loss of control. He stated that he did not have sufficient time to deploy the skid-mounted emergency floats before the helicopter entered the water, and the aircraft subsequently sank.
Investigation
At the time of the incident, the ambient temperature was 97 degrees Fahrenheit. The helicopter was calculated to be 50 pounds below its maximum gross weight. A post-accident examination of the helicopter and its powertrain revealed no pre-accident mechanical anomalies or discrepancies.