Robinson R44 II N531AT

Summary

On 30 June 2025 at about 04:05 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N531AT, operated by Elevate Aviation LLC, was involved in an accident near Palmer, Alaska, United States. 4 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 June 2025 at 04:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Palmer, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

61.4417, -148.7590

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N531AT

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2016

Engines

1

Operator

Elevate Aviation LLC

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Palmer → Palmer

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC25LA064

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s diverted attention during takeoff in flat light conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference 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 she was departing from an area of mountainous, snow-covered terrain with flat light conditions. She said that after takeoff, while in a high hover, she made a left pedal turn on departure to avoid obstacles and other parked helicopters. As the helicopter was turning, an advisory light illuminated on the instrument panel. She focused her attention inside on the light and when she looked back outside everything appeared white and she lost all visual reference with the terrain. Subsequently the helicopter impacted the snow-covered terrain and rolled over to the left. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and fuselage. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.