Bell 206-L4 N266P

Summary

On 13 May 2011 at about 16:20 local time, a Bell 206-L4 registered N266P, operated by PHI Inc, was involved in an accident near Mobile Block 114CC, United States. 3 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

13 May 2011 at 16:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Mobile Block 114CC, United States

Nearest airport

Mobile Block 114CC

Coordinates

30.1917, -88.0250

Aircraft

Bell 206-L4

Registration

N266P

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

PHI Inc

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Mobile Block 114CC → Mobile Block 114CC

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA11LA297

2 people were seriously injured.

The pilot’s operation of the helicopter with a left, quartering headwind, resulting in conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Shortly after liftoff from the production platform helideck, the pilot observed that the helicopter began an uncommanded slow yaw to the right. The pilot applied full left pedal, which had no effect. He lowered the collective, rolled the throttle to idle, and deployed the emergency floats. The helicopter impacted the water and rolled over. A postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure. Tail rotor system continuity was confirmed. The pilot reported that, just prior to the loss of directional control, there was a left, quartering headwind. This condition could have put the helicopter in an area of main rotor disc interference with the tail rotor, which could have resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.