Pilot Debrief

AEROSPATIALE AS350 near Juneau, AK — 2019-04-28

Final reportGAA19CA233
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Date
2019-04-28
Location
Juneau, AK, USA
Aircraft
AEROSPATIALE AS350
Registration
N288CH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach to landing on a ridge and his failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain, which resulted in a tail rotor strike.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the second landing on a "ridge" and while dropping off passengers for skiing, the helicopter's tail rotor contacted a higher area of snow-covered terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and the tail rotor gear box's mounting surface. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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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