Pilot Debrief

BELL 407 near High Island 138 — 2009-05-04

Final reportCEN09CA275
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Date
2009-05-04
Location
High Island 138, USA
Airport
000
Aircraft
BELL 407
Registration
N164RL
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the windsock during the approach.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was approaching an off-shore oil platform and positioned the helicopter to land "into the wind." The intended flight path crossed over a crane with a windsock on top. Having observed the obstructions, the pilot continued the approach to the helideck. As the helicopter overflew the crane, the helicopter's tail rotor contacted the windsock, resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter's tail boom section. The pilot was able to land the damaged helicopter on the oil platform's helideck.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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