Bell 206L-3 N104LP accident near Southern Timbalier 52Ca

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection when he did not remove a tie-down strap prior to takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

NTSB analysis

The helicopter was tied down overnight on the helideck of an off-shore oil platform. The pilot stated that the helicopter preflight had been completed before sunrise, and the first flight of the day was scheduled 4 hours 30 minutes later. During the walk-around prior to the flight, the pilot overlooked the right rear tie-down, which was one of four connected to the fuselage. The pilot attempted to takeoff with the tie-down still attached to the helicopter, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. The helicopter remained on the helideck. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and the right side of the helicopter.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA191 for the full record.