AEROSPATIALE AS350 B2 ECUREUIL
Valdez, AK — April 18, 2012
Event Information
| Date | April 18, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC12CA033 |
| Event ID | 20120423X41811 |
| Location | Valdez, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.35472, -146.43028 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AEROSPATIALE |
| Model | AS350 B2 ECUREUIL |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 4 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in the tail rotor contacting terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot was landing a high-skid equipped helicopter on a snow-covered glacier. After touchdown, both skids sank into the snow, and the tail rotor contacted terrain. The tail rotor drive shaft and tail rotor gear box sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the helicopter.
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.