Robinson R44 II N783AK

Summary

On 18 August 2024 at about 20:46 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N783AK, operated by Alpha Aviation, was involved in an accident near Palmer, Alaska, United States. 4 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

18 August 2024 at 20:46

Classification

Accident

Location

Palmer, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

61.3550, -148.2167

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N783AK

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2023

Engines

1

Operator

Alpha Aviation

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Palmer → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC24LA079

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to follow the operator’s procedure manual and attempted to land at a remote landing zone in high wind conditions. Contributing factor was the pilot’s decision to not conduct a fly over of the landing site to determine wind condition which resulted in a loss of control during landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while on a straight in approach to a remote landing site in an area of mountainous terrain, the helicopter experienced strong gusty wind conditions and down drafts. He attempted to abort the landing to no avail. The helicopter impacted terrain and rolled over resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom and main rotor drive system. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot reported the wind was 30 knots with wind gusts of 40 knots. A passenger reported that enroute to the landing area the pilot stated the helicopter had a 30 knot head wind. The operator’s operating procedures manual states that if the wind is over 30 knots “DO NOT LAND” at the landing zone (LZ). According to the operator, pilots are required to fly over the LZ to determine wind direction and condition before attempting to land.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.