1966 — Oct 8, Petroleum Helicopter rotor failure/crash into Gulf near Morgan City, LA–11

–11 AP. “11 feared dead in helicopter crash in Gulf.” Lake Charles American Press, LA. 10-9-1966, 1.
–11 Planecrashinfo.com. n“1966…Accident Details…Petroleum Helicopter off Morgan City.”

Narrative Information

Planecrashinfo.com:
“Date: October 08, 1966
“Time: 1330
“Location: Off Morgan City, Louisiana
“Operator: Petroleum Helicopter
….
“AC Type: Bell 204B helicopter
“Registration: N1187W
….
“Aboard: 11 (passengers 10 crew 1)
“Fatalities: 11 (passengers: 10 crew:1)

Summary: “The helicopter crashed into the Gulf of Mexico after a tail rotor failure. Fatigue fracture.”

Newspaper

Oct 9: “Houma, La. (AP) – A civilian helicopter plunged into the choppy Gulf of Mexico Saturday [Oct 8] apparently killing the 11 persons aboard. ‘There are no survivors as far as we can tell,’ said Frank Lee, an official of Petroleum Helicopter Co., a firm that ferries offshore workers between Gulf rigs and the mainland. Lee said debris was sighted at the crash scene, about 60 miles south of Marsh Island.

“The helicopter, A Bell-204, had picked up ten workers from a rig during the afternoon. It was bound for Morgan City in St. Mary Parish.

“Quarter-boats and other oil company helicopters searched the crash scene until after darkness.

“Witnesses from other offshore platforms said they saw the big helicopter go down shortly after picking up the workers.

“Lee said a passenger list would be released probably today.” (AP. “11 feared dead in helicopter crash in Gulf.” Lake Charles American Press, LA. 10-9-1966, 1.)

Sources

AP (Associated Press). “11 feared dead in helicopter crash in Gulf.” Lake Charles American Press, LA. 10-9-1966, 1. Accessed 4-28-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lake-charles-american-press-oct-09-1966-p-1/

Planecrashinfo.com. “1966…Accident Details…Petroleum Helicopter off Morgan City, LA, Oct 8, 1966. Accessed 4-28-2022 at: http://www.planecrashinfo.com/1966/1966-48.htm