Accidents
Accidents: Factual Report - BIRD STRIKE EYED IN FATAL SIKORSKY CRASH
Sikorsky S-76C++, Morgan City, La., Jan.

Sikorsky S-76C++, Morgan City, La., Jan. 4, 2009–The helicopter was on a Part 135 VFR flight from PHI’s Lake Palourde Heliport to an offshore oil platform when it crashed into a marsh approximately seven minutes after takeoff, killing the two pilots and six of the seven passengers on board.

The helicopter was substantially damaged. There were no reported distress calls. Data retrieved from the helicopter’s cockpit voice and flight data recorder showed that it was in level flight at 850 feet msl at around 135 knots when a loud “bang” was heard followed by the sounds consistent with rushing wind, engine power reductions, and a decrease in rotor speed.