# NTSB FTW82DA394: Bell 206L-1, N5734N, Gulf Of Mexico, September 25, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: September 25, 1982, 10:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: Gulf Of Mexico
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 25, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70923
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DA394
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70923/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA394

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - improper (cause)
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - airport facility

## Analysis

DURING AN APPROACH TO LAND ON THE LOWER PLATFORM OF AN OIL RIG, THE PILOT FAILED TO SEE AND AVOID GUY WIRES WHICH OBSTRUCTED THE APPROACH. AFTER CONTACTING THE WIRES, THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED UPRIGHT ON THE PLATFORM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5734N (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206L-1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 45451
- Airframe hours: 2743
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C28B 435 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Petroleum Helicopters Inc.
- Registered owner: Petroleum Helicopters Inc.
- Departed: HI-ISLAND 508, GM
- Destination: HI-ISLAND 536, GM
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,899 total, 819 in this make and model, 1,399 as pilot in command, 164 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 25 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 185 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: 511

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19820925070799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820925070799A), Sep 25, 1982: Bell 206L1, Galveston, TX, Destroyed. Main rotors struck a wire line unit and rig while landing on a gulf platform. Weather notamed or marked not reported

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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