Robinson R44 II N704T

Summary

On 9 May 2023 at about 20:00 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N704T, operated by Willow Creek Aviation, was involved in an accident near Skwentna, Alaska, United States. 3 people were on board and 2 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

9 May 2023 at 20:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Skwentna, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

61.7746, -151.7413

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N704T

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2004

Engines

1

Operator

Willow Creek Aviation

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Skwentna → Skwentna

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

Unk

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC23LA032

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from terrain while maneuvering in adverse weather conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, he was flying uphill over an area of snow-covered, mountainous terrain, when he encountered flat light and whiteout conditions, which made it difficult to discern topographical features. In an attempt to maintain visual reference with the ground, he turned the helicopter to the right to fly back down the hill. Subsequently, the right landing gear skid contacted terrain and the helicopter entered a dynamic rollover to the right, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and powertrain system. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.