N64771

Substantial
Serious

S M & T Aircraft UHS/N: 63-8704

Accident Details

Date
Monday, June 10, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA345
Location
Northway, AK
Event ID
20190617X25249
Coordinates
63.075832, -141.038894
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during landing, which resulted in impact with terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N64771
Make
S M & T AIRCRAFT
Serial Number
63-8704
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1963
Model / ICAO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
PO BOX 898
Status
Deregistered
City
LAKESIDE
State / Zip Code
AZ 85929-0960
Country
United States

Analysis

The helicopter pilot reported that, he and the safety pilot were delivering fuel to a remote camp. During short final, with the safety pilot on controls, about 50 feet above the ground, the helicopter's rate of decent increased. The safety pilot raised the collective, but the helicopter continued to descend, and the main rotor RPM began to decay. The helicopter then yawed to the right, rolled to the left, and impacted terrain.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades.

The helicopter pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA345