Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the safety skirting during the repositioning landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was asked to reposition the helicopter on the helideck in an effort to clear a space for a helicopter that was coming in to land. During the repositioning landing, the pilot felt a high frequency vibration and the helicopter began to shudder. The pilot landed and after egressing the helicopter, discovered that a piece of tail rotor skin was lodged in the skirting; the tailrotor had impacted the safety skirting. The helicopter's tailboom sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA232 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 17, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gulf Of Mexico, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- South Marsh Island #50 (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 230
- N-number
- N974RH
- 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.