Eurocopter AS 350 B3 N297SH

Summary

On 16 September 2023 at about 18:10 local time, a Eurocopter AS 350 B3 registered N297SH, operated by Soloy Helicopters LLC, was involved in an accident near Johnson River, Alaska, United States. 2 people were on board. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

16 September 2023 at 18:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Johnson River, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

60.1500, -152.9000

Aircraft

Eurocopter AS 350 B3

Registration

N297SH

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2012

Engines

1

Operator

Soloy Helicopters LLC

Operating rule

Part 133: Rotorcraft Ext. Load

Purpose of flight

External Load

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC23LA085

Injuries not recorded.

The ground crew’s failure to remain clear of a tag line during sling load operations, resulting in his entanglement.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The operator reported that during a sling load operation, one of the ground crew became entangled in a tag line as the helicopter began to lift the load. He was dragged across the deck, freed himself, and subsequently fell to the ground. In the operators written statement, it was noted the ground crew member was initially hidden from the pilot’s view as he began to lift the sling load. The helicopter was not damaged, but the ground crew personnel sustained serious injuries. The operator reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.