Airbus AS350B3 N21FY

Summary

On 26 December 2023 at about 19:49 local time, a Airbus AS350B3 registered N21FY, operated by Alpha Aviation LLC, was involved in an accident near Palmer, Alaska, United States. 7 people were on board and 3 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

26 December 2023 at 19:49

Classification

Accident

Location

Palmer, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

61.2522, -148.5313

Aircraft

Airbus AS350B3

Registration

N21FY

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2022

Engines

1

Operator

Alpha Aviation LLC

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Palmer → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dawn

NTSB number

ANC24LA009

3 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain during the landing approach in flat light conditions.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that while on approach to land at a remote, snow-covered glacial site, with flat light conditions present, he lost “positive” visual reference, but believed he was in a stable hover. Subsequently, the left landing gear skid contacted the snow-covered terrain, and the helicopter entered a dynamic rollover to the left, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and powertrain system. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.