Pilot Debrief

AEROSPATIALE AS350 B2 E near Haines, AK — 2009-04-13

Final reportANC09LA031
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Date
2009-04-13
Location
Haines, AK, USA
Aircraft
AEROSPATIALE AS350 B2 E
Registration
N208CH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain during the landing approach in flat light conditions.

NTSB narrative

The solo airline transport helicopter pilot reported that he was on a Title 14, CFR Part 91 positioning flight and was approaching an off-airport landing site on a snow-covered glacier to pick up skiers. He said as he neared the site, he inadvertently flew the helicopter into an unseen rise, resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter and serious injuries to himself. He said he had just flown from bright sunlight into shade, and due to the prevailing flat light, he was unable to discern his height above the glacier. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the helicopter.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Spatial disorientation
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have approached from a more familiar direction to avoid unseen rise.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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