Aerospatiale AS350
Coldfoot, AK — March 31, 2019
Event Information
| Date | March 31, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA252 |
| Event ID | 20190507X52101 |
| Location | Coldfoot, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 67.21389, -149.81056 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Aerospatiale |
| Model | AS350 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| 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 gunner’s improper net gun firing, which resulted in a net weight impacting the rotor blades.
Full Narrative
The chief pilot reported that the helicopter pilot reported that, during a caribou capture flight, while attempting to net a calf, he got within shooting range for the net gun but the calf suddenly "broke right" and he turned to follow. While turning, the pilot thought the shot would not be possible and that he should set up for another run, but the gunner fired. The pilot heard a "bang", followed by a strong vibration. The pilot landed the helicopter without further incident.
Postaccident, the pilot examined the main rotor blades and observed substantial damage to one of main rotor blades, which he assumed was from a net weight.
The chief 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.