Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN09CA275

Aircraft #1

N164RL

BELL 407

Analysis

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.

Factual Information

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.

Probable Cause and Findings

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

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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