First prize to 'Brian Abaham' - another case of putting the tail rotor into obstacles. Strange how these accidents occur in batches.
NTSB Identification: LAX08LA200
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Friday, June 27, 2008 in Santa Maria, CA
Aircraft: Sikorsky S-76A, registration: N343AA
Injuries: 1 Minor, 9 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 June 27, 2008, about 1238 Pacific daylight time, a Sikorsky S-76A, N343AA, rolled over following a collision with a steel beam on oil platform Irene, off the coast of Santa Maria, California. Arctic Air Service, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135. The airline transport pilot and eight passengers were not injured; the airline transport copilot with a certified flight instructor (CFI) certificate received minor injuries. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The flight departed Santa Maria Public Airport, (SMX), Santa Maria, about 1202, with planned stops at platforms Hidalgo, Hermosa, and Irene, before returning to Santa Maria. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no flight plan had been filed.
During a hover for landing, the pilot performed a right pedal turn over the heliport, and the tail of the helicopter collided with a moveable derrick. The pilot lost tail rotor authority and landed immediately. The landing gear collapsed and the helicopter rolled onto the left side. The helicopter received substantial damage to the tail rotor and main rotor, destroying the tail rotor and main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter.