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August 3, 2017 · Airbus AS350 B3 · N351SH

Delta Junction, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 3, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Delta Junction, AK
Aircraft
Airbus AS350 B3 (2008)
Tail Number
N351SH
Operator
Soloy Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC17CA041

The helicopter pilot reported that he was transporting a passenger to a remote drilling site where a tracked drilling unit was stationed. He reported that he landed into the wind, which necessitated descending over bordering trees into the drilling site. The helicopter touched down on the dirt, and upon lowering the collective, he reported that he heard a "bang," and the helicopter slowly started to "pick up a ground wobble." The pilot shut down the helicopter, and both occupants exited without further incident. A postaccident inspection revealed that the blue and red main rotor blades sustained substantial damage from impacting a black 1.5-inch steel frame attached to the tracked drilling unit, which is used to mount a canvas weather shelter for the drilling crews. The pilot reported that the steel frame was not visible to him from above as he was descending into the drilling site. The pilot further reported that he had made multiple landings at the drilling site in the past 3 months and that, with the previous landings, he had landed farther past the tracked drilling unit, and the steel frame was always behind the helicopter. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21A, 2012) discusses high and low reconnaissance procedures and states, in part: The purpose of conducting a high reconnaissance is to determine direction and speed of the wind, a touchdown point, suitability of the landing area, approach and departure axes, and obstacles for both the approach and departure. A low reconnaissance is accomplished during the approach to the landing area. When flying the approach, verify what was observed in the high reconnaissance, and check for anything new that may have been missed at a higher altitude, such as wires and their supporting structures (poles, towers, etc.), slopes, and small crevices.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a steel frame attached to a tracked drilling unit. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to visually identify the steel frame during the reconnaissance process.

Full Narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that he was transporting a passenger to a remote drilling site, where a tracked drilling unit was stationed. He reported that he landed into the wind, which necessitated descending over bordering trees into the drilling site. The helicopter touched down on the dirt, and upon lowering the collective, he reported he heard a "bang" and the helicopter slowly started to "pick up a ground wobble." The pilot shutdown the helicopter and both occupants exited without further incident. A postaccident inspection revealed that the blue and red main rotor blades sustained substantial damage from impacting a black 1.5-inch steel frame attached to the tracked drilling unit, which is used to mount a canvas weather shelter for the drilling crews. The pilot reported that the steel frame was not visible to him from above as he was descending into the drilling site. The pilot further reported that multiple landings have been made to the drilling site in the past 3 months, and that with the previous landings he landed further past the tracked drilling unit and the steel frame was always behind the helicopter. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21A, 2012) discusses high and low reconnaissance procedures and states in part: The purpose of conducting a high reconnaissance is to determine direction and speed of the wind, a touchdown point, suitability of the landing area, approach and departure axes, and obstacles for both the approach and departure. A low reconnaissance is accomplished during the approach to the landing area. When flying the approach, verify what was observed in the high reconnaissance, and check for anything new that may have been missed at a higher altitude, such as wires and their supporting structures (poles, towers, etc.), slopes, and small crevices.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAirbus AS350 B3
Tail NumberN351SH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSoloy Helicopters
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsSafran Helicopter Engines · Arriel 2B1 · Turboshaft · 847
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data