1981 Bristow Helicopters Westland Wessex crash
A Bristow Westland Wessex 60 of the same type as G-ASWI | |
| Accident | |
|---|---|
| Date | 13 August 1981 |
| Summary | Loss of power |
| Site | Near 12 miles ENE of Bacton, Norfolk in the North Sea 52°56′N 1°46′E / 52.933°N 1.767°E |
| Aircraft | |
| Aircraft type | Westland Wessex |
| Operator | Bristow Helicopters |
| Registration | G-ASWI |
| Occupants | 13 |
| Passengers | 11 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Fatalities | 13 |
| Survivors | 0 |
On 13 August 1981, a Westland Wessex 60 was operated by Bristow Helicopters between the Bacton Gas Terminal in Norfolk and Amoco gas platforms in the North Sea. During the flight, the helicopter lost power to the main rotor gearbox, going out of control during the ensuing autorotation and crashing into the North Sea. The flight was carrying 11 gas workers from the Leman gas field to Bacton. All 13 people on board died.