title: Helicopter crashes related to oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. sbaker@jhsph.edu
authors: Susan P
authors: SP
authors: Baker
authors: Dennis F
authors: DF
authors: Shanahan
authors: Wren
authors: W
authors: Haaland
authors: Joanne E
authors: JE
authors: Brady
authors: Guohua
authors: G
authors: Li
mesh_terms: D000060:Accidents, Aviation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D019652:Extraction and Processing Industry; D005260:Female; D005579:Fossil Fuels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D010578:Petroleum
chemical_list: D005579:Fossil Fuels; D010578:Petroleum