Gulf Operator Loses Second Helicopter in Two Weeks | Aviation International News

Gulf Operator Loses Second Helicopter in Two Weeks

The U.S. Coast Guard has called off the search for survivors from a Bell 407 operated by Rotorcraft Leasing, which has now had three crashes in 2022.

Oil platform in Gulf of Mexico ten miles from Southwest Pass, Louisiana — Oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico ten miles from Southwest Pass, Louisiana, where Bell 407 helicopter crash occurred. (Photo: U.S. Coast Guard)

By Mark Huber • Contributor

December 30, 2022

The U.S. Coast Guard has called off the search for survivors of a Rotorcraft Leasing Bell 407 helicopter with four aboard reported crashed on Thursday shortly after it departed a Gulf of Mexico oil platform at 8:40 a.m. local time 10 miles from Southwest Pass, Louisiana. A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk dispatched to the scene found aircraft debris, but no survivors, after searching an area spanning 180 square miles for eight hours.

The NTSB confirmed late on Thursday evening that it has begun an investigation into the accident. Weather conditions did not appear to be a factor, according to authorities.

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