Focus Is On Loss Of Engine Power On Helicopters Operating To And From Offshore Oil Platforms

The NTSB has issued a series of recommendations to the United States Department of the Interior, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the American Petroleum Institute focused on the potential for loss of engine power on helicopters operating near offshore oil platforms.

The board recommends that the DOI work in collaboration with the US Coast Guard to identify and develop comprehensive systems and procedures to mitigate the risk of ingestion of raw gas discharges, such as methane, by helicopters operating in the vicinity of offshore oil platforms. (A-14-67)

After appropriate mitigations are developed as recommended in Safety Recommendation A-14-67, require fixed offshore oil platform operators to implement these systems and procedures. (A-14-68)

Similar recommendations (A-14-69, A-14-70) were issued to the Coast Guard.

Finally, the NTSB recommends that the American Petroleum Institute finalize revisions to API Recommended Practice 2L, Recommended Practice for Planning, Designing, and Constructing Heliports for Fixed Offshore Platforms, to address the venting of raw gases, such as methane, as a risk to turbine-powered helicopters operating in the vicinity of fixed offshore oil platforms. (A-14-71)

FMI: www.ntsb.gov