Robinson R66
Cordova, AK — June 19, 2018
Event Information
| Date | June 19, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA366 |
| Event ID | 20180620X21155 |
| Location | Cordova, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 60.67500, -144.74194 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Robinson |
| Model | R66 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 3 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in impact with brush and a loss of helicopter control.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, after multiple attempts to find a suitable landing site on a mountain ridgetop, the tail rotor impacted brush during landing. The helicopter pivoted, the main rotor contacted a communications tower, and the helicopter rotated 180° and rolled onto its left side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the windscreen and main rotor mast.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.