# NTSB FTW85LA268: Sikorsky S-76, N5404Y, Eugene Island, June 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 28, 1985, 13:10 local (18:10 UTC)
- Place: Eugene Island
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21783
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA268
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21783/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA268

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - object - aircraft parked/standing (contributing factor)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD LANDED ON THE OFFSHORE HELIPORT IN THE GULF OF MEXICO. THE S76 HELICOPTER ROLLED BACKWARD ON THE PLATFORM WITH THE HELICOPTER TILTING TO ITS RIGHT. THE COPLT EXITED THE ACFT AND FOUND THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR WHEEL OFF THE PLATFORM AND INTO THE DECK SAFETY NET. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO LIFT UP OFF THE PLATFORM BUT THE ACFT WENT OFF THE PLATFORM AND FELL INVERTED IN THE WATER ABOUT 100 FEET BELOW. THE COPLT HAD EXITED THE ACFT (PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT) AFTER INITIAL TOUCHDOWN. THE HELICOPTER WAS INTENTIONALLY LANDED ON THE FAR RIGHT (EAST) SIDE OF THE PLATFORM BECAUSE OF A BELL 206 WHICH WAS PARKED ON THE LEFT (WEST) SIDE OF THE PLATFORM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5404Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5404Y-1997-10-22), registration cancelled 1997-10-22, S/N 760146 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIKORSKY S-76
- Registry model: [Sikorsky S-76](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-s-76) (registry code 8143010) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 760146
- Airframe hours: 3469
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C305 650 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Offshore Losgistics, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, June 23, 1985, 16 hours before
- Departed: MORGAN CITY, LA
- Destination: EUGENE IS. BLK, GM
- Flight plan: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 7,124 total, 587 in this make and model, 5,329 as pilot in command, 73 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 14 statute miles
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LFT

## 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 19850628028759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850628028759A), Jun 28, 1985: Skrsky S76, Eugene Island, LA, Substantial damage. Rolled backward after landing on platform. Wheel went into net, aircraft flipped inverted into water.

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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