N707MY

Substantial
None

SIKORSKY S 76BS/N: 760327

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, December 5, 2013
NTSB Number
CEN14CA082
Location
Port Fourchon, LA
Event ID
20131210X71003
Coordinates
29.929721, -90.353889
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
10
Total Aboard
10

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's loss of control of the helicopter when it entered a settling with power condition during sudden gusty wind conditions on takeoff resulting in the helicopter subsequently impacting terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N707MY
Make
SIKORSKY
Serial Number
760327
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1986
Model / ICAO
S 76BS76
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
2

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
ARROW AVIATION CO LLC
Address
1318 SMEDE HWY
Status
Deregistered
City
BROUSSARD
State / Zip Code
LA 70518-8028
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was departing from a helipad and all cockpit instrument indications were "in green" status. Wind was very calm to none and the pilot verified it by looking at two flags on an offshore vessel. Another aircraft took off from the helipad and departed to the east. The pilot hover taxied to the west of the flight area with a right petal turn. He rechecked the instruments, which were "all normal." He added power and the flight was normal as the helicopter was climbing. The helicopter was about 40 to 50 feet over a roadway and it started to settle. He added more power and it looked as if it was going to recover. Then the helicopter started to sink again. There were occupied trailers under the helicopter and obstacles blocking a nearby field. The pilot elected to head left of course for less impact with anything on the ground or with property. The helicopter impacted terrain where it sustained substantial tailboom and fuselage damage. The pilot reported that the helicopter was within weight and balance requirements and that there were no mechanical malfunctions. Following the impact, he noticed that the previously observed flags were now showing the wind was blowing and gusting from the southwest direction.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN14CA082