Accident Details
On January 5, 2014, at approximately 1000 central standard time, a Bell B430 helicopter (registration N430CT) sustained substantial damage during landing on the West Delta 109 oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The tail rotor had struck a handrail on the crane davit, resulting in damage to the tail rotor gearbox and drivetrain. The pilot and one passenger were not injured.
Flight Information
The helicopter was owned and operated by Chevron USA Inc. under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight had departed the Chevron Main Pass 313 oil platform at about 0930 on a company visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan.
Incident Narrative
According to the pilot, both cranes on the oil platform were shut down and she received a "green" deck for landing. She performed a normal approach to the platform. As the helicopter was over the landing circle, she turned the helicopter's tail and felt a severe shudder. She immediately landed and shut down the helicopter.
Damage
Examination of the landing platform and helicopter revealed that the tail rotor blades had struck a handrail on the crane davit. This impact caused substantial damage to the tail rotor gearbox and drivetrain.