Pilot Debrief

AEROSPATIALE AS350 B2 ECUREUIL near Valdez, AK — 2012-04-18

Final reportANC12CA033
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Date
2012-04-18
Location
Valdez, AK, USA
Aircraft
AEROSPATIALE AS350 B2 ECUREUIL
Registration
N191EH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in the tail rotor contacting terrain.

NTSB narrative

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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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