NTSB Identification: CEN10LA036
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Sunday, November 01, 2009 in High Island A-442A, GM
Aircraft: BELL 206, registration: N272M
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor.
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 November 1, 2009, approximately 1040 central standard time, a Bell 206L-1, N272M, registered to and operated by Rotorcraft Leasing Company LLC, was substantially damaged when it impacted water following a loss of engine power shortly after lifting off from an oil drilling platform. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The non-scheduled domestic passenger flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger received minor injuries. The flight had just originated from platform High Island A442A, and was en route to platform High Island A515, both in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the company, the helicopter had landed on the platform and was refueled. It then took off with one passenger. Shortly after lifting off, the engine lost power and the pilot made a forced landing in the water. Just before touching down, the pilot inflated the pontoons. The helicopter settled in the water and rolled inverted.
The helicopter was later recovered and taken to the operator's base in Broussard, Louisiana, for examination. Preliminary information indicates the Pc line was loose.