Bell 206L-3 N32041

Summary

On 24 March 2011 at about 21:55 local time, a Bell 206L-3 registered N32041, operated by PHI Inc, was involved in an accident near United States. 3 people were on board and 3 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

24 March 2011 at 21:55

Classification

Accident

Location

United States

Coordinates

30.1922, -88.6450

Aircraft

Bell 206L-3

Registration

N32041

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

PHI Inc

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Main Pass 61A → Main Pass 61A

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN11LA252

3 people had minor injuries.

The loss of engine power due to an engine compressor stall as a result of ingesting methane gas during takeoff.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

After the helicopter was refueled with the engine running, the pilot departed from an offshore oil platform. The pilot and the two passengers reported a loud bang just after the turboshaft-powered helicopter lifted off. The pilot immediately lowered the helicopter’s nose and entered an autorotation to the water below; as the helicopter descended, the pilot activated the helicopter’s float system. The floats inflated; however, the helicopter impacted the water and rolled inverted. Examination of the helicopter’s engine found no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A review of data downloaded from the engine’s data monitoring system revealed a “spike” in the engine’s turbine outlet temperature and torque readings. The oil platform was venting un-ignited methane gas at the time the helicopter departed the platform. It is likely that the helicopter’s engine experienced a compressor stall due to ingesting the methane gas, and the pilot immediately reacted by initiating an autorotation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.