Accident Details
Date
Saturday, April 21, 2012
NTSB Number
ANC12CA032
Location
Palmer, AK
Event ID
20120422X33539
Coordinates
61.672779, -149.402770
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a tailrotor strike.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N121MR
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Serial Number
0496
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
CASTOR AVIATION LTD
Address
6540 E BEECHCRAFT RD
Status
Deregistered
City
WASILLA
State / Zip Code
AK 99654-9330
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot flew to a practice area and landed the helicopter on what the pilot thought was firm snow. As he landed, the helicopter suddenly broke through the surface, and its tailrotor struck the snow. The pilot repositioned the helicopter, and the tailrotor chip light illuminated. An inspection showed that the tailrotor driveshaft had sheared.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC12CA032