Eurocopter AS 350 B3 N354LA

Summary

On 25 July 2018 at about 18:45 local time, a Eurocopter AS 350 B3 registered N354LA, operated by Trans Aero Helicopters, was involved in an accident near Kobuk, Alaska, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

25 July 2018 at 18:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Kobuk, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

66.9356, -156.7731

Aircraft

Eurocopter AS 350 B3

Registration

N354LA

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2000

Engines

1

Operator

Trans Aero Helicopters

Operating rule

Part 133: Rotorcraft Ext. Load

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Kobuk → Kobuk

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC18CA056

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's inadvertent dynamic rollover during takeoff.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot of the helicopter was transporting equipment in support of remote mining activities using a 100-foot long-line. During takeoff, and while preparing to lift the external sling load, he inadvertently allowed the helicopter to drift laterally to the right and the right skid struck the ground, resulting in a dynamic rollover. The helicopter continued to roll to the right, and the main rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter subsequently came to rest on its right side, sustaining substantial damage to the main rotor drive system, fuselage, and tail boom. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.