Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the windsock during the approach.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was approaching an off-shore oil platform and positioned the helicopter to land "into the wind." The intended flight path crossed over a crane with a windsock on top. Having observed the obstructions, the pilot continued the approach to the helideck. As the helicopter overflew the crane, the helicopter's tail rotor contacted the windsock, resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter's tail boom section. The pilot was able to land the damaged helicopter on the oil platform's helideck.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA275 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 4, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- High Island 138
- Nearest airport
- High Island 138 (000)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 407
- N-number
- N164RL
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.