Flight History
On 7 September 2023, at 16:06 UTC, a Bell Textron B212 helicopter, registration A6-ALD, operated by Aerogulf Services Co (L.L.C), crashed over water near the ARAS driller rig in Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates. The flight was a non-revenue training mission with two pilots on board and no passengers. The accident occurred during a training flight to an offshore helipad.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter, manufacturer serial number 30809, was a Bell B212 with twin PT6T-3B Pratt & Whitney Canada engines. It was manufactured in 1976 and had accumulated 27,850.70 flight hours and 31,591 cycles since new. The operator was Aerogulf Services Co (L.L.C).
Injuries and Damage
Both pilots sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was destroyed. No other injuries were reported.
Meteorological Information
Weather reports from Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW) and from the ARAS rig provided wind, visibility, and other conditions at the time of the accident. The specific values are part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation
The Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS) of the United Arab Emirates is conducting the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States, as the state of design and manufacture, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, as the state of engine manufacture, have appointed accredited representatives assisted by advisers from Bell Textron Inc. and Pratt & Whitney. The operator also assigned an adviser to the investigator-in-charge. The investigation is ongoing, and a final report will be issued.