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NTSB Report
February 21, 2020 · Robinson R44 II · N716JL
Talkeetna, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 21, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Aircraft
Robinson R44 II (2004)
Tail Number
N716JL
Operator
Talkeetna Air Taxi
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC20CA023
The pilot reported that he was conducting a passenger flight from a high elevation mountain heliport to the company's base airport. While the passengers were loading at the heliport, the weather deteriorated to 2 statute miles visibility in light snow and the ceiling was about 1000 ft. After the takeoff, the pilot was descending over a glacier and the helicopter unexpectedly skipped on the snow-covered surface of the glacier and it settled into deep snow. The helicopter subsequently rolled onto the right side and the main rotor blades, main rotor transmission and tail boom sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from snow covered terrain during an en route descent in flat light conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was conducting a passenger flight from a high elevation mountain heliport to the company's base airport. While the passengers were loading at the heliport, the weather deteriorated to 2 statute miles visibility in light snow and the ceiling was about 1000 ft. After the takeoff, the pilot was descending over a glacier and the helicopter unexpectedly skipped on the snow-covered surface of the glacier and it settled into deep snow. The helicopter subsequently rolled onto the right side and the main rotor blades, main rotor transmission and tail boom sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:10 AKST
Nearest AirportSheldon Chalet (5nm N)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R44 II
Tail NumberN716JL
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTalkeetna Air Taxi
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Minor
Crew 3None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 28 C
Altimeter28.81 inHg
Observation Time23:49
Weather SourceWFAC