Eurocopter AS 350 BA N99676

Summary

On 15 March 2022 at about 23:00 local time, a Eurocopter AS 350 BA registered N99676, operated by Alpine Air Alaska LLC, was involved in an accident near Valdez, Alaska, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

15 March 2022 at 23:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Valdez, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

61.2622, -145.8749

Aircraft

Eurocopter AS 350 BA

Registration

N99676

Category

Helicopter

Year built

1982

Engines

1

Operator

Alpine Air Alaska LLC

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Positioning

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

16 Mile → Tsania Valley

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC22LA023

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path in flat light conditions, which resulted in landing short of the intended landing spot and impact with terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the helicopter was being used to transport skiers in support of a commercial Heli-ski operation when the helicopter inadvertently collided with terrain while maneuvering to land on the glacier. The pilot stated that while on approach to an area to pick up a group of skiers, flat light conditions made it difficult to discern topographical features on the snow-covered, featureless, glacial terrain. The pilot said that during the approach, he inadvertently allowed the helicopter to descend below his intended approach path, and the helicopter touched down short of his intended landing site. The helicopter subsequently rolled to the left and the main rotor blades struck the snow-covered terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, tail rotor blades, tail boom, and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.