# NTSB FTW83FA051: Bell 206L1, N2252Z, Gulf Of Mexico, December 3, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 3, 1982, 09:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Gulf Of Mexico
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 3, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69212
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83FA051
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69212/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83FA051

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - planned approach - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - misc rotorcraft,emergency floatation gear - not engaged (cause)
  - landing gear - not selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ACFT WAS HIGHER THAN HE INTENDED TO BE OVER THE PLATFORM & HAD SET UP A RIGHT DOWNWIND APCH. HE HAD TROUBLE KEEPING UP THE GROUND TRACK DUE TO STRONG GUSTY WINDS. HE WAS ALMOST OVER THE PLATFORM & MADE A LARGE CORRECTION & BEGAN LETTING DOWN. THE TURN TO FINAL APPROACH WAS LARGER THAN 180 DEG. AS HE WAS APPROACHING AT ABOUT 300 FT, 60 MPH & GETTING READY TO ARM THE FLOATS, THE ACFT BEGAN A SUDDEN RATE OF DESCENT. FULL COLLECTIVE WAS INEFFECTIVE IN STOPPING THE SETTLING & THE ACFT STRUCK THE WATER & CAPSIZED WITHOUT THE POP-OUT FLOATS BEING INFLATED. COMPANY FLIGHT OPERATIONS PERSONNEL STATED THAT THE APPROACH AS FLOWN BY THE PLT WAS NOT ACCORDING TO THEIR NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2252Z (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206L1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 45757
- Airframe hours: 456
- Engines: ALLISON 250C28 435 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Petroleum Helicopters, Inc.
- Registered owner: Petroleum Helicopters, Inc.
- Departed: W. CAMERON #199, GM
- Destination: W. CAMERON #180, GM
- Flight plan: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,083 total, 387 in this make and model, 1,780 as pilot in command, 110 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 35 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 153 °F, dew point 32 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19821203062349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821203062349A), Dec 3, 1982: Bell 206L1, West Cameron Bl, LA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Encountered downdraft on approach to oil platform. Hit the water without floats inflated. Sank. Nonnormal approach.

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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