What happened
On September 3, 2008, at 0023 UTC, a Bell 212 helicopter, registration A6-AVL, was performing a takeoff from the Resilient Maersk oil rig in the Persian Gulf. The aircraft, operated by Aerogulf Services Company LLC, was en route to another oil rig within the Rashid oil field.
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were within visual meteorological limits (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 070 degrees at 7 knots. Witnesses reported that the helicopter had arrived from Dubai, landed near the front of the helipad, and completed cargo offloading. Upon attempting to depart, the helicopter lifted into a hover and performed a 180-degree left turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft moved rearward and struck a crane. The collision caused the helicopter to fall onto the helipad deck, where it subsequently caught fire.
The accident resulted in 7 fatal injuries, involving the pilot-in-command, the copilot, and five passengers.