Accident Details
Date
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
NTSB Number
ANC12CA033
Location
Valdez, AK
Event ID
20120423X41811
Coordinates
61.354721, -146.430282
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
4
Total Aboard
4
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in the tail rotor contacting terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N191EH
Make
AEROSPATIALE
Serial Number
2505
Model / ICAO
AS350 B2 ECUREUIL
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC12CA033