History of the Flight
On 20 July 2021, a Sikorsky S 76++ helicopter, registered PK-TVY, operated by PT. Travira Air, performed an unscheduled passenger charter flight from Matak Airport (WIOM) to the Soehanah offshore rig helipad in the South China Sea, Indonesia. The helicopter was scheduled for seven flights that day; the accident occurred on the fifth flight. The flight crew consisted of two pilots and seven passengers, with a total weight of 704 kg including personnel and baggage.
The Pilot in Command (PIC) initially acted as Pilot Flying (PF) but later handed control to the Second in Command (SIC), who served as PF for the remainder of the flight. The helicopter departed Matak at 1220 LT (0520 UTC). The flight was uneventful until the approach to Soehanah. At 1303 LT, the helicopter began its descent.
Accident Description
At approximately 1316 LT, just prior to touchdown on the Soehanah rig helipad, the helicopter tumbled to the right. It came to rest about 12 meters from the center of the helipad's D-Value on a radial of 210°, with the helicopter heading 141°. No abnormalities in the helicopter systems were reported before departure or during the flight.
Investigation Notes
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related protocols, investigators did not visit the accident site. Documentation was performed by PT. Travira Air personnel based on a checklist provided by the Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT). The investigation is ongoing.
Safety Actions
The operator has issued several safety actions. The KNKT considered these actions relevant to the identified safety issues and, as a result, did not issue any safety recommendations in this preliminary report.