AEROSPATIALE AS350
Juneau, AK — April 28, 2019
Event Information
| Date | April 28, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA233 |
| Event ID | 20190430X12546 |
| Location | Juneau, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 58.49111, -134.45500 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AEROSPATIALE |
| Model | AS350 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 6 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach to landing on a ridge and his failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain, which resulted in a tail rotor strike.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, on the second landing on a "ridge/saddle," while dropping off passengers for recreational skiing. The tail rotor contacted a higher spot of snow-covered terrain.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and mounting surface for the tail rotor gearbox.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane 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.