Probable cause
The pilot's improper use of the collective and cyclic control during taxi operations, which induced a dynamic rollover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was water-taxiing a fixed-float equipped helicopter in a right sideways direction when the helicopter rolled to the right, impacted the water, rolled inverted, and sank. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was able to exit the inverted cockpit, inflate his life vest and swim to shore. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, tail rotor, and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter. The characteristics displayed by the helicopter were indicative of it encountering a dynamic rollover.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA303 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 13, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Venice, Louisiana
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206
- N-number
- N887T
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
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.