Eurocopter AS-350-B2 N197EH

Summary

On 17 March 1999 at about 14:50 local time, a Eurocopter AS-350-B2 registered N197EH was involved in an accident near Girdwood, Alaska, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 March 1999 at 14:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Girdwood, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

60.8993, -148.9099

Aircraft

Eurocopter AS-350-B2

Registration

N197EH

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC99LA036

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's misjudged flare while landing. Factors associated with the accident were whiteout conditions, and snow-covered terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that the accident helicopter was being utilized to transport skiers to a remote ski area. He added that the day before the accident, the area had received about 6 inches of very light, powder snow. He stated that just before the accident, he transported a group of photographers to the top of the mountain, and he was returning to the base of the mountain to pick up the next group of skiers. He said that as the helicopter hovered toward the landing area, he became disoriented in whiteout conditions, and lost all visual reference due to blowing snow. He said the helicopter drifted to the right, the right skid struck the snow, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and drive train components.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.