Pilot Debrief

AEROSPATIALE SA342J near Escalante, UT — 2022-07-18

Final reportWPR22LA261
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Date
2022-07-18
Location
Escalante, UT, USA
Aircraft
AEROSPATIALE SA342J
Registration
N342WF
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to control the helicopter’s descent rate during landing, which resulted in collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, he was transporting supplies to a remote landing site and had made multiple approaches and landings. He stated that on the final approach, cloud cover had cleared and the helicopter “felt heavy.” About 25-30 ft above the ground the helicopter began to sink and he could not recover. The helicopter hit hard and tipped forward onto its nose during landing, substantially damaging the airframe and main rotors. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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