BELL 407
High Island 138, May 4, 2009
Event Information
| Date | May 4, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | High Island 138 |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 29.26639, -94.25000 |
| Airport | High Island 138 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA275 |
| Event ID | 20090505X03225 |
Aircraft
| Make | BELL |
| Model | 407 |
| Registration # | N164RL |
| Operator | ROTORCRAFT LEASING CO LLC |
| Owner | ROTORCRAFT LEASING CO LLC |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the windsock during the approach.
Full Narrative
The commercial pilot was approaching an off-shore oil platform and positioned the helicopter to land "into the wind." The intended flight path crossed over a crane with a windsock on top. Having observed the obstructions, the pilot continued the approach to the helideck. As the helicopter overflew the crane, the helicopter's tail rotor contacted the windsock resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter's tail boom section. The pilot was able to land the damaged helicopter on the oil platform's helideck.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.