Fort Worth Star Telegram
Helicopter crashes south of Galveston, killing pilot
LAFAYETTE, La.
- A helicopter crashed in the Gulf of Mexico Monday, killing the pilot, the Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard learned of the crash about 8:45 a.m. and sent a helicopter from Houston and a jet from Corpus Christi, Texas, to search for the wreckage and rescue the pilot, Petty Officer Andy Kendrick said.
The wreckage and the pilot's body were discovered about four hours later, 70 miles southwest of Galveston, Texas, Lafayette-based Petroleum Helicopters Inc. said.
The pilot's name was not immediately released. There were no passengers.
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead an investigation of the cause of the crash, the company said.
Petroleum Helicopters is a major source of transportation for companies involved in the offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf.
Unconfirmed reports:
Bell 407 N457PH
In lease block High Island 573.
