Final Report: Offshore helo tangled with wind gusts on rig

Eurocopter EC 120B, Gulf of Mexico, Feb. 12, 2007–According to the NTSB, the pilot of the Era Helicopters EC 120 did not adequately compensate for the gusty wind conditions (20 to 25 knots) when attempting to land on the offshore oil platform, causing him to hit a flare boom extending from the platform. Contributing to the accident was the gusty wind. Personnel on the platform heard the helicopter approach, then felt the platform shake and the helicopter noise stopped. They found debris in the water and on the platform. The pilot and a passenger were killed.