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August 30, 2021 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N878CB

Pelican, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Pelican, AK
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2004)
Tail Number
N878CB
Operator
Helicopter Air Alaska
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC21LA079

The pilot reported that he was conducting helicopter external sling load operations to a remote mountain top. At the drop off site, while in a hover about 20 ft above the ground, with his attention focused outside to ensure he cleared terrain and obstacles, he felt the helicopter begin to settle. The rpm began to decay, the low rotor rpm light illuminated, and the horn sounded. He immediately lowered the collective, released the cargo and impacted the ground coming to rest on top of the cargo. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the rotor system and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation, and that the accident may have been prevented if he had received additional training from the company to include flying at gross weight with and without external loads. In addition to having pilots check for available power in an out-of-ground effect hover with altitudes and escape routes before committing to the approach.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper preflight planning to ensure adequate power to hover out-of-ground effect while conducting external load operations.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was conducting helicopter external sling load operations to a remote mountain top. At the drop off site, while in a hover about 20 ft above the ground, with his attention focused outside to ensure he cleared terrain and obstacles, he felt the helicopter begin to settle. The rpm began to decay, the low rotor rpm light illuminated, and the horn sounded. He immediately lowered the collective, released the cargo and impacted the ground coming to rest on top of the cargo. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the rotor system and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation, and that the accident may have been prevented if he had received additional training from the company to include flying at gross weight with and without external loads. In addition to having pilots check for available power in an out-of-ground effect hover with altitudes and escape routes before committing to the approach.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN878CB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHelicopter Air Alaska
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A% · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 F / 50 F
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time12:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data