Summary
On November 11, 2000, a Eurocopter AS-350B2 (N216EH) was involved in an incident near Girdwood, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from terrain. A factor in the accident was flat light conditions.
On November 11, 2000, about 1300 Alaska standard time, a high skid equipped Eurocopter AS-350-B2 helicopter, N216EH, sustained substantial damage while maneuvering over snow-covered terrain, about four miles east of Girdwood, Alaska. The helicopter was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135 when the accident occurred. The helicopter was operated by ERA Aviation Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot, and the sole passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC01LA020. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N216EH.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from terrain. A factor in the accident was flat light conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On November 11, 2000, about 1300 Alaska standard time, a high skid equipped Eurocopter AS-350-B2 helicopter, N216EH, sustained substantial damage while maneuvering over snow-covered terrain, about four miles east of Girdwood, Alaska. The helicopter was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135 when the accident occurred. The helicopter was operated by ERA Aviation Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot, and the sole passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated at the Girdwood airport, about 1115.
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on November 21, 2000, the vice president of safety for the operator reported that the pilot was conducting a photo flight in the area of Mount Alyeska. According to the vice president, the pilot related that he was maneuvering along a mountain ridge. The end of the ridge line was in a shadow. While flying in the area of shadow, the pilot began to lose depth perception, and he added engine power to move away from the ridge. The left landing gear skid tube made contact with snow on the ridge, and the pilot felt a vibration. He landed on lower terrain and shut down the helicopter. A subsequent inspection of the helicopter disclosed internal damage to the tail rotor spars, and a torsional twist in the tail rotor drive shaft.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC01LA020