Robinson R44

During the dark night offshore flight over the Gulf of Mexico, the single-engine helicopter impacted the water. A partial debris field was located; however, the helicopter was not recovered and was presumed destroyed. A company dispatcher stated that the pilot departed the mainland with a load of parts for an offshore platform. For the flight to the platform, the pilot estimated an en route time of 1 hour and 30 minutes and estimated a total fuel on board of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The airline transport rated pilot had accumulated approximately 15,000 flight hours. The operator reported that the airframe and engine had accumulated approximately 730 total hours. The helicopter flight manual and helicopter maintenance records were aboard the helicopter and not recovered. The date and type of the most recent continuous airworthiness inspection was not determined. According to the autopsy report, "[the pilot] died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries sustained in a helicopter accident." The results of the toxicological test were negative for alcohol and all screened drug substances.