Helicopter Crash in West Galveston Bay Kills One, Injures Two

According to KHOU, one person is dead and two were injured in a helicopter crash that occurred off the coast of Galveston, Texas, on Monday night.

About the Helicopter Crash

The helicopter accident happened approximately 2.5 miles offshore from Jamaica Beach in the West Bay at around 7 p.m. The Coast Guard says communications were lost with the helicopter around this time as it crashed into the gulf.

Three people were on board the private helicopter at the time of incident, reports KHOU. The helicopter was operated by Republic Helicopters, which said on Tuesday that one of the passengers died in the crash. The pilot of the helicopter and the second passenger were rescued by boat crews.

Republic Helicopters claims to have no prior reported incidents or safety issues regarding their helicopters on their website. KHOU reports that the helicopter was being used to take workers to and from cargo ships in the gulf.

The identities of the victims have not been released, reports KHOU.

Common Causes of Helicopter Accidents

According to HelicopterSafety.org, these are the most common causes of helicopter accidents:

• Controls being mishandled
• Drivetrain failure
• Wire strike
• Maintenance error
• Collision with object on ground
• Engine losing power
• Engine failing