NTSB Identification: DFW05LA074
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Friday, February 18, 2005 in Cameron, LA
Aircraft: Bell 206L-3, registration: N512RA
Injuries: 3 Uninjured.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On February 18, 2005, approximately 1030 central standard time, a Bell 206L-3 helicopter, N512RA, owned and operated by Rotorcraft Leasing Company, LLC, of Broussard, Louisiana, experienced a reported loss of engine power and subsequent autorotation during takeoff from HIA382F, a heliport located in the Gulf of Mexico, near Cameron, Louisiana. The airline transport rated pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed for the passenger flight, which was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135.
In a written statement, the 14,490-hour airline transport rated pilot reported that as he prepared for takeoff from HIA382F, "rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) was increased to 100%, caution panel and instruments were checked, and everything appeared normal." During the initial hover on the platform, the pilot did not notice any abnormalities and he took off into the wind. He reported that as he cleared the deck, "he heard the rpm start to decrease and observed the rotor rpm passing through 90%." The pilot then lowered the collective to recover rpm and verified that the throttle was full open. The rpm appeared to stabilize momentarily, and in an attempt to make it back to the platform, the pilot initiated a right turn. It was immediately obvious to the pilot that the rpm was decreasing, so he "turned back into the wind, entered autorotation, and deployed the floats in anticipation of water landing."
According to the pilot, the seas were high, and upon contact with the water, the helicopter filled with water. The pilot was not able to open his door immediately, but after some delay, he was able to exit through the left front passenger door. At this time, he realized that the helicopter was inverted in the water. The two passengers had exited the helicopter and were located on top of the inverted helicopter. The pilot and passengers were rescued by a boat approximately one hour later.
On February 23, 2005, under the supervision of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, representatives from Rolls Royce and Bell Helicopter examined the helicopter. The examination revealed that the fuel nozzle screen had collapsed and was covered in a "slimy substance." Further tests will be conducted to determine the components of the substance. Additionally, there was impact damage to the tail boom and a rotor blade.
At 1053, the automated weather observing system at the Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH), located approximately 21 miles to the north, reported wind from 070 degrees at 10 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, a clear sky, temperature 55 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 33 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure setting of 30.38 inches of Mercury.