NTSB Identification: FTW03LA163
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Thursday, May 29, 2003 in Brazos Blk 532, GM
Aircraft: Robinson R44, registration: N7188K
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
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 May 29, 2003, approximately 0400 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 single-engine helicopter, N7188K, was destroyed when it impacted the water while maneuvering near Brazos Block 532, Gulf of Mexico. The airline transport rated pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Tarlton Helicopters, Inc., Houston, Texas. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 un-scheduled, on-demand air cargo flight. The flight departed the William P. Hobby airport (HOU), near Houston, at 0320, and was destined for an offshore platform located at the Mustang Island Area East Addition, Block A-133, in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the Tarlton Helicopters company dispatcher, the 73-year old pilot departed HOU with a load of parts for an offshore platform. For the flight from HOU to the platform, the pilot estimated an en-route time of 1 hour and 30 minutes and estimated a total fuel on board of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The destination, Mustang Island Area East Addition, Block A-133, was located approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of HOU.
On May 29, 2003, approximately 1100, the body of the pilot and debris from the helicopter were located by the U.S. Coast Guard, at 28 degrees 19.15 minutes north latitude, and 95 degrees 56.2 minutes west longitude. The ocean depth in the vicinity of the debris field was estimated to average from 100 to 120 feet. According to an FAA inspector, the debris that was located included two skid float assemblies, cushions, and miscellaneous items. The helicopter has not been located and is presumed destroyed.
At 0353, the Palacios (PSX) Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), Palacios, Texas, located on-shore approximately 15 nautical miles northwest of the debris field, reported the wind from 280 degrees at 3 knots, 8 statute miles visibility, sky clear, temperature 21 degrees Celsius, dew point 19 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.03 inches of mercury.
The U.S. Naval Observatory reported at PSX the moonrise was at 0528.
I'm 72 and I feel it. This pilot was 73 years old.
