Helicopter crashes related to oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
Aviat Space Environ Med
; 82(9): 885-9, 2011 Sep.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21888272
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The hazards inherent in flight operations in the Gulf of Mexico prompted investigation of the number and circumstances of crashes related to oil and gas operations in the region.METHODS:
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) database was queried for helicopter crashes during 1983 through 2009 related to Gulf of Mexico oil or gas production. The crashes were identified based on word searches confirmed by a narrative statement indicating that the flight was related to oil or gas operations.RESULTS:
During 1983-2009, the NTSB recorded a total of 178 helicopter crashes related to oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico, with an average of 6.6 crashes per year (5.6 annually during 1983-1999 vs. 8.2 during 2000-2009). The crashes resulted in a total of 139 fatalities, including 41 pilots. Mechanical failure was the most common precipitating factor, accounting for 68 crashes (38%). Bad weather led to 29 crashes (16%), in which 40% of the 139 deaths occurred. Pilot error was cited by the NTSB in 83 crashes (47%). After crashes or emergency landings on water, 15 helicopters sank when flotation devices were not activated automatically or by pilots.DISCUSSION:
Mechanical failure, non-activation of flotation, and pilot error are major problems to be addressed if crashes and deaths in this lethal environment are to be reduced.
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Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Accidentes de Aviación
/
Accidentes de Trabajo
/
Industria Procesadora y de Extracción
/
Combustibles Fósiles
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País como asunto:
Mexico
Idioma:
En
Año:
2011
Tipo del documento:
Article