Preliminary Report: Eurocopter damaged in water collision

EUROCOPTER AS 350B2, VENICE, LA., MARCH 6, 2003–At 7:20 a.m. CST Eurocopter N945PT was substantially damaged when it collided with water while turning to reverse direction after encountering IMC near Venice. The helicopter was registered to Banc One Leasing Corp. of Columbus, Ohio, and operated by Taylor Energy of New Orleans. The commercial-rated pilot and four passengers were uninjured. The flight originated from New Orleans Lakefront Airport at approximately 7 a.m. destined for the Mississippi Canyon 20 platform located in the Gulf of Mexico.