Accident Details
Date
Thursday, January 7, 2010
NTSB Number
WPR10CA100
Location
Kalispell, MT
Event ID
20100107X05723
Coordinates
48.133888, -113.830558
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral drift control during landing.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N127TP
Make
BELL
Serial Number
2582
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
TP HELICOPTER LLC
Address
1995 3RD AVE E
Status
Deregistered
City
KALISPELL
State / Zip Code
MT 59901-5759
Country
United States
Analysis
The student pilot reported that he was landing the turbine-powered helicopter on a frozen lake covered by 18 to 24 inches of snow. He reported that during the landing flare, in reduced visibility due to blowing snow, the helicopter drifted right and when the skid depth in the snow increased the helicopter rolled over, which resulted in structural damage to the airframe. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA100