Originally Posted by
finalchecksplease
Offshore oil & gas drifting up & back is a big no no...
Decades ago I was on the MCP01 rig when a departing helicopter did just that, struck the comms mast and was immediately dumped back on to the helideck. It was several days before it was repaired sufficiently to be flown out but with no passengers on board. All movements on and off were made by surface vessel until the helideck was vacated.
However, I came here looking for insight having just watched a Youtube video of this helicopter departure and spin down. Right at the start of the video there is a huge puff of smoke from the exhaust, quickly whipped away, like an old diesel tractor firing up. Not saying this is connected with this accident but is that normal? Not something I have ever seen before.