BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON 206L-1
Anaktuvuk Pass, AK, May 1, 2013
Event Information
| Date | May 1, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Anaktuvuk Pass, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 68.15096, -151.71030 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | ANC13CA041 |
| Event ID | 20130507X12521 |
Aircraft
| Make | BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON |
| Model | 206L-1 |
| Registration # | N1171 |
| Operator | Pathfinder Aviation |
| Owner | GM LEASING CO LLC |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | IMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control while hovering over an area of snow-covered terrain, in flat light conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
Full Narrative
The commercial helicopter pilot reported that while flying over an area of flat and featureless, snow-covered terrain, deteriorating weather conditions with low ceilings, light snow, and flat light conditions reduced his visibility, so he elected to make a precautionary landing to wait for improving visibility. He said that while attempting to land, blowing snow from the main rotor downwash reduced his ability to discern topographical features on the snow-covered terrain. During touchdown, the helicopter drifted to the left, the left skid struck the snow-covered terrain, and the helicopter rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the rotor system, tail boom, and fuselage. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies 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.