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October 10, 2021 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N555EL

Palmer, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 10, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Palmer, AK
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2005)
Tail Number
N555EL
Operator
Pollux Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC22LA001

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, while conducting an air tour flight he made about a 90° right turn near a scenic area, when he heard a faint “ting” sound. He stated that there was no indication of a mechanical failure or malfunction and the helicopter continued to operate normally, so he continued the flight. After shutdown he noticed damage to one of the main rotor blades and concluded that the helicopter had collided with an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV). The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blade. The pilot of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) reported that while flying his UAV near a scenic area a red helicopter suddenly appeared and collided with the UAV. 14 CFR Part 107.37 Operations near aircraft, right of way rules, states in part: (a) Each small unmanned aircraft must yield the right of way to all aircraft, airborne vehicles, and launch and reentry vehicles. Yielding the right of way means that the small unmanned aircraft must give way to the aircraft or vehicle and may not pass over, under, or ahead of it unless well clear. (b) No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard.

NTSB Probable Cause

Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Monitoring other aircraft-Pilot of other aircraft

Full Narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, while conducting an air tour flight he made about a 90° right turn near a scenic area, when he heard a faint “ting” sound. He stated that there was no indication of a mechanical failure or malfunction and the helicopter continued to operate normally, so he continued the flight. After shutdown he noticed damage to one of the main rotor blades and concluded that the helicopter had collided with an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV). The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blade. The pilot of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) reported that while flying his UAV near a scenic area a red helicopter suddenly appeared and collided with the UAV. 14 CFR Part 107.37 Operations near aircraft, right of way rules, states in part: (a) Each small unmanned aircraft must yield the right of way to all aircraft, airborne vehicles, and launch and reentry vehicles. Yielding the right of way means that the small unmanned aircraft must give way to the aircraft or vehicle and may not pass over, under, or ahead of it unless well clear. (b) No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN555EL
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPollux Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 3 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 F / 37 F
Altimeter29.69 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data