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NTSB Report
July 20, 2012 · Bell 206L-3 · N363AL
Circle, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 20, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Circle, AK
Aircraft
Bell 206L-3
Tail Number
N363AL
Operator
Bristow Alaska
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC12CA077
The pilot elected to land the high skid, turbine-powered helicopter in a burned-out wooded area as part of a vegetation reclamation survey. The area he selected contained several rain-soaked, burned, and fallen birch trees and required that he land on the fallen trees with the helicopter's skids perpendicular to the trees. The operator reported that, after landing atop the uneven, fallen trees, the pilot retarded the engine throttle to flight idle to begin the mandatory 2 minute engine cool down procedure. The helicopter subsequently tipped backwards and slid to the left, and the tail rotor struck a log. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive system, and tail rotor gearbox. The pilot said that there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the helicopter.
NTSB Probable Cause
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surfa-(general)-Contributed to outcome
Full Narrative
The pilot elected to land a high skid, turbine-powered helicopter in a burned-out wooded area as part of a vegetation reclamation survey. The area he selected contained several rain-soaked, burned and fallen birch trees, which required that he land perpendicular to and on the fallen trees with the helicopter's skids. The operator reported that after landing atop the uneven, fallen trees, the pilot retarded the engine throttle to flight idle to begin the mandatory 2 minute engine cool down procedure. The helicopter subsequently tipped backwards and slid to the left, with the tail rotor striking a log. The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the helicopter. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive system, and tail rotor gearbox.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206L-3
Tail NumberN363AL
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBristow Alaska
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · C30P · Turboshaft · 650
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 0 C
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time13:30
Weather SourcePILO