Accident Details
On September 3, 2008, at 0023 universal time, a Bell 212 helicopter, registration A6-AVL, operated by Aerogulf Services Company LLC, collided with a crane during takeoff from an oil rig in the Persian Gulf. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The airline transport rated pilot-in-command, copilot, and five passengers were killed. The flight was departing from the Resilient Maersk oil rig en route to another oil rig in the Rashid oil field.
Sequence of Events
According to witnesses, the helicopter arrived from Dubai and landed towards the front of the helipad, where cargo was offloaded. The helicopter was then observed to lift off the helipad to a hover, turn left 180 degrees, and move rearward, at which point it collided with the crane. After the collision, the helicopter fell to the deck of the helipad and caught fire.
Investigation
This accident investigation is under the jurisdiction of the United Arab Emirates. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from the Chief of Regulations and Investigations at the General Civil Aviation Authority in Dubai.