Gulf Autorotation Into The Drink Results In No Injuries

There are few more unwelcome incidents in flight, to a help pilot, the glaring 'uh-oh' imposed by an illuminated chip light. In such circumstances, all you can and should do is get on the deck as soon as circumstances permit... before those circumstances are forced.

NTSB Identification: CEN12IA096
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Incident occurred Thursday, December 01, 2011 in Gulf Of Mexico, GM
Aircraft: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON CANADA 407, registration: N435PH
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On December 1, 2011, about 1005 central standard time, a Bell 407 helicopter, N435PH, was successfully autorotated to the water following a loss of engine power while in cruise flight over the Gulf of Mexico. The helicopter was not damaged during the on water landing. The commercial pilot, and sole passenger, were not injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by PHI, Inc., under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as a non-scheduled air-taxi flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from platform EC278-C, and was en route to platform EC261, both in the Gulf Of Mexico.

According to the pilot, while en route to EC261 the engine chip light illuminated. The flight was abeam platform EC278-B at the time, and the pilot elected to divert for a precautionary landing. While on the base leg to EC278-B, the pilot heard a loud whining noise followed by a loud popping noise and the helicopter began to yaw. The pilot entered an autorotation, called mayday, inflated the floats, and performed a successful water landing. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the helicopter unassisted into a life raft and were picked up within 10 minutes. The helicopter remained upright for approximately 20 minutes before overturning.

The helicopter was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov