Friday, August 04, 2017

Half Moon Bay Airport (KHAF) to be named in honor of Eddie Andreini

Edward August Andreini




Eddie Andreini is remembered as a man whose feet were firmly rooted in the Coastside soil. After growing up in a farm family, his construction company would help develop countless public and private projects on the coast. His head, however, was always in the clouds.

And it is his love of flying that will be the focus of ceremonies later this month to rename the airfield at Half Moon Bay Airport in his honor. The renaming is the work of the San Mateo County Public Works Department, which manages the airport, and comes with the full support of an army of Andreini fans all around the coast.

The county plans a ceremony to unveil the new name at 1 p.m. on Aug. 26 at the 3-Zero Café. The public is welcome to attend. Andreini was a regular at the café, which overlooks the airport’s landing strips.

After becoming enamored with flight by watching the local crop dusters, Andreini got his first airplane — a Piper Super Cruiser — at the age of 14. Over time, he would become an expert pilot with a particular love for vintage aircraft. He performed in World War II-era equipment like his Stearman biplane and his P-51 and Yak-9 fighters.

Coastsiders could often hear his aircraft as he practiced maneuvers that would quicken the pulse of any pilot. In 2013, he was inducted into the International Council of Air Shows Hall of Fame.

Andreini died a year later, at the age of 77, while performing maneuvers during an air show at Travis Air Force Base.

Air-show announcer Bill Vasilovich spoke of Andreini at his funeral. He described why the pilot was beloved by many in the community.

“He was a true gentleman, a barnstormer,” Vasilovich told the Review at the time. “He made people look up into the skies and smile.”

Story and comments ► http://www.hmbreview.com

Cessna 180, N9455C: Accident occurred August 01, 2017 in Puntilla, Alaska

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

Aviation Accident Final Report
- National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N9455C

Location: Puntilla, AK
Accident Number: GAA17CA473
Date & Time: 08/01/2017, 1900 AKD
Registration: N9455C
Aircraft: CESSNA 180
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

According to the pilot, he made two passes over a dry creek bed to assess a potential landing site. The second pass was accomplished up creek into rising terrain. The airplane was configured with full power, with flaps at 20° and flying about 50ft AGL and 80 MPH.

The pilot reported that the airplane encountered a downdraft as the airplane transitioned from overflying the trees, to overflying the creek bed, which he attempted to correct, but the airplane aerodynamically stalled.

Following the stall, the pilot attempted to land on a dry creek bed. The airplane touched down on the creek bed, then bounced and descended into a "dry cut channel". The airplane came to rest nose down and the airplane in a near vertical position. The airplane was destroyed by a post-crash fire.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board's, Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the event could have been avoided by making the low pass along descending terrain at a higher airspeed.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The airplane's encounter with a downdraft while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.

Findings

Aircraft
Angle of attack - Capability exceeded (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Downdraft - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-low-alt flying
Other weather encounter

Landing
Aerodynamic stall/spin
Off-field or emergency landing
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)

Landing-flare/touchdown
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Landing
Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 26, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/25/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/03/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 305 hours (Total, all aircraft), 70 hours (Total, this make and model), 277 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 55 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N9455C
Model/Series: 180 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 31853
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/03/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2883 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470J
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 225 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KPTI, 1858 ft msl
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 39°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Wasilla, AK (PAWS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination:
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1745 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  61.923611, -153.023611 (est) Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N9455C

Location: Puntilla, AK
Accident Number: GAA17CA473
Date & Time: 08/01/2017, 1900 AKD
Registration: N9455C
Aircraft: CESSNA 180
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

According to the pilot, he made two passes over a dry creek bed to assess a potential landing site. The second pass was accomplished up creek into rising terrain. The airplane was configured with full power, with flaps at 20° and flying about 50ft AGL and 80 MPH.

The pilot reported that the airplane encountered a downdraft as the airplane transitioned from overflying the trees, to overflying the creek bed, which he attempted to correct, but the airplane aerodynamically stalled.

Following the stall, the pilot attempted to land on a dry creek bed. The airplane touched down on the creek bed, then bounced and descended into a "dry cut channel". The airplane came to rest nose down and the airplane in a near vertical position. The airplane was destroyed by a post-crash fire.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board's, Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the event could have been avoided by making the low pass along descending terrain at a higher airspeed.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 26, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/25/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/03/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 305 hours (Total, all aircraft), 70 hours (Total, this make and model), 277 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 55 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N9455C
Model/Series: 180 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 31853
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/03/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2883 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470J
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 225 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KPTI, 1858 ft msl
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 39°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Wasilla, AK (PAWS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination:
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1745 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: On-Ground
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  61.923611, -153.023611 (est)



ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) A pilot was rescued by the Alaska Air National guard after his plane crashed 130 miles northwest of Anchorage.

On the morning of August 3rd the pilot’s brother contacted the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center with concerns about his brothers expected return on Tuesday, August 1st.

According to a press release today aircraft wreckage was found within a few hours of the call in the area of Ptarmigan Pass. The pilot did not appear to have sustained serious injuries.

“The pilot was traveling with a satellite tracking device that can be used to send emergency messages via text and also sends a signal of the aircraft location periodically,” said Lt. Col. Scot Milani, director of the RCC. “The last known coordinates provided by his brother assisted in identifying a general area where the plane was when it last submitted a transmission.”

The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center along with support from the Alaska National Guard’s 176th Wing were able to spot the wreckage in mountainous terrain at about 3,000 feet in elevation.

The survivor was helped into a helicopter, treated at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, and later released.

“It’s important for pilots to have a plan—letting someone know where they are going, their planned route, when they plan to depart and return—and be packed with food, gear and shelter,” said Milani. “They should be equipped to spend an extended period of time surviving until rescue forces are able to locate them in the event of an emergency.”

http://www.ktuu.com

Robinson R44 II, N4138M, registered to and operated by Bering Air Inc: Accident occurred August 03, 2017 in Solomon, Alaska

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Bering Air Inc:   http://registry.faa.gov/N4138M

NTSB Identification: ANC17LA040
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Thursday, August 03, 2017 in Solomon, AK
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44, registration: N4138M
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On August 3, 2017, about 1032 Alaska daylight time, a Robinson R-44 Clipper II helicopter, N4138M, impacted water and sank while dropping mineral claim markers about 1 mile south of Solomon, Alaska. The commercial pilot and passenger sustained no injury, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The helicopter was registered to, and operated by, Bering Air, Inc., Nome, Alaska, as a visual flight rules flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135 on-demand charter flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated from the Nome Airport, Nome, about 0845. 

The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to place mineral claim markers, which involved maneuvering the helicopter over a Global Positioning System (GPS) point where the passenger can drop the marker from the rear left seat of the helicopter. Some of the mineral claim corners are in water, and the placement of those markers must be offset to the nearest land mass. The pilot departed from the Nome Airport and arrived at the passenger's private residence about 4 miles east of Nome. The helicopter was shutdown, the pilot briefed the flight to the passenger, 23 markers were loaded onboard the helicopter, and the helicopter departed. 

With about half the markers left to drop, the helicopter was operating over a lagoon between the mainland and a sand barrier, at about 10 to 15 feet above the water. The pilot reported that he was lower than he should have been and lost situational awareness when he was working with the GPS unit. He inadvertently allowed the helicopter to descend into the water "in a more level or slight nose low attitude" and the helicopter was not maneuvering at the time. He further reported that he must have pushed forward on the cyclic as he leaned forward to manipulate the GPS unit. After the helicopter impacted water, the helicopter rolled, and came to rest on its right side in about 4 feet of water. The pilot and passenger egressed without further incident and waded to the shore with the helicopter occupant survival bag and satellite phone. The pilot contacted the operator with the satellite phone and a second company helicopter was dispatched to pick up the pilot and passenger about 1200.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, the fuselage, the tail boom, and the tail rotor system.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. 


At the time of the accident, the helicopter was not equipped with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved radio altimeter or a FAA approved device that incorporates a radio altimeter as required by 14 CFR Part 135.160 Radio Altimeters for Rotorcraft Operations. The operator was operating with a Letter of Deviation Authority approved by the FAA.

Eurocopter AS 350B3 Ecureuil, N351SH: Fatal accident occurred March 27, 2021 and Accident occurred August 03, 2017

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska
Federal Aviation Administration; Fort Worth, Texas
Safran Helicopter Engines; Grand Prairie, Texas
Airbus Helicopters USA; Grand Prairie, Texas 


Location: Palmer, AK 
Accident Number: WPR21FA143
Date & Time: March 27, 2021, 18:35 Local
Registration: N351SH
Aircraft: Airbus Helicopters AS350-B3
Injuries: 5 Fatal, 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled

On March 27, 2021, about 1835 Alaska daylight time, an Airbus Helicopters AS350-B3, N351SH, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Palmer, Alaska. The pilot and four passengers were fatally injured, and one passenger was seriously injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Aviation Regulations Part 135 on-demand charter flight.

Representatives from the operator reported that the helicopter was contracted by a local lodge to transport passengers from a private residence on Wasilla Lake, Wasilla, Alaska, to the Chugach Mountain Range to conduct heli-ski operations.

Data obtained from a handheld global positioning system (GPS) unit showed that the helicopter departed Wasilla Airport about 1440 and arrived at the Wasilla Lake residence about 10 minutes later. About 53 minutes later, the helicopter departed the residence and flew toward the Chugach Mountains. The helicopter arrived at the intended operating area about 19 minutes later and subsequently flew multiple legs from 1612 and 1807.

The GPS data showed that the helicopter departed again at 1827:05 on a northwest heading and climbed to about 5,900 ft mean sea level (msl).

The data showed that the helicopter’s final movements began about 1833 over a ridgeline at 6,266 ft msl (about 14 ft agl), at a groundspeed of 1 kt. The helicopter maintained a low altitude and groundspeed as it maneuvered over the ridgeline for the next few minutes. The data track ceased at 1836:42 near the final resting point of the main wreckage. 




A representative from the operator stated that the helicopter was due to return to its base at 2000. Once it had not returned, they initiated their company procedures for an overdue aircraft. The wreckage was located by helicopter about 2130.

An aerial assessment of the accident site by a National Transportation Safety Board investigator the day after the accident revealed that the helicopter impacted terrain about 15 to 20 ft below the top of a ridge line. The total debris field extended about 900 ft downslope from the top of the ridge line. 



The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Airbus Helicopters
Registration: N351SH
Model/Series: AS350-B3
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Rotorcraft external load (133), On-demand air taxi (135)
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAAQ,230 ft msl
Observation Time: 18:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 23 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C /-12°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 330°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Wasilla, AK 
Destination: Palmer, AK 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 4 Fatal, 1 Serious 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 5 Fatal, 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 61.451718,-148.36552 (est)

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation may contact them by email eyewitnessreport@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov. 

Pilot Zachary Russell






A contracted helicopter carrying guides and guests from a lodge on a heli-skiing trip in Southcentral Alaska’s backcountry crashed Saturday evening, killing the pilot and four others, including the Czech Republic’s richest man.

The only other person onboard was in serious but stable condition Sunday night at an Anchorage hospital, Alaska State Troopers said.

The five killed in the crash were identified as Gregory Harms, 52, of Colorado; Petr Kellner, 56, and Benjamin Larochaix, 50, both of the Czech Republic; and two Alaskans, Sean McManamy, 38, of Girdwood, and the pilot, Zachary Russell, 33, of Anchorage, troopers said Sunday.

The five passengers included three guests and two guides from Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, said lodge spokeswoman Mary Ann Pruitt.

The only survivor of the crash was identified by a Czech media outlet as David Horvath, a 48-year-old Czech snowboarder. Alaska State Troopers did not immediately respond Monday to a request for more information about the survivor. Horvath remained in serious condition at Providence Alaska Medical Center on Monday, a hospital spokesman said.

Kellner was a billionaire businessman and financier with a net worth over $17 billion, according to the Forbes 2020 list of the world’s richest people.

Kellner owned a 98.93% stake in the PPF Group, an international investment company. The group operates in 25 countries in Europe, Asia and North America with assets of $52 billion. PPF Group confirmed Kellner’s death.

“His professional life was known for his incredible work ethic and creativity, but his private life belonged to his family,” a message posted on the PPF Group website said.

The funeral is planned for only close family members, and the company asked the media to respect the privacy of the family.

Kellner and Larochaix “were loyal and frequent” guests at the lodge, Pruitt said in an email to the Associated Press.

Harms was a pioneering heli-ski guide in Alaska and worked for many years at the lodge, Pruitt said. “Greg was one of the most experienced guides in the business,” she said. He also founded a heli-ski company that led trips across the world.

McManamy had been a guide for over 10 years, and was with the lodge for the last five, she said. He was also an avalanche instructor and an experienced mountain guide on Denali, North America’s tallest peak.

Russell was a pilot for Soloy Helicopters, a Wasilla-based company that is contracted by the lodge to provide transportation, Pruitt said.

“This news is devastating to our staff, the community in which we operate and the families of the deceased,” a statement released by the lodge said.

The Eurocopter AS50 crashed at 6:35 p.m. Saturday under unknown circumstances near Knik Glacier, about 50 miles northeast of Anchorage in the Chugach Mountains and about 21 miles southeast of Palmer, said Clint Johnson, chief of the Alaska office of the National Transportation Safety Board, which will investigate the crash.

“It’s in an area of very steep terrain, snow-covered terrain, right around 5,000 to 6,000 feet ... on the north side of Knik river,” he said.

“The mode we’re in now is to recover the wreckage,” he said. He said the goal was to get the recovery done quickly, before the arrival of a forecasted snowstorm.

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge is about 60 miles northwest of Anchorage. The lodge bills itself as a luxury multisport resort, and offers guided heli-skiing packages through the winter that start at $15,000 per person.

The statement from lodge said this was the first time in its 17 years in business “we’ve had to face an event of this measure.”

Soloy Helicopters has a fleet of 19 helicopters providing charter services primarily in Alaska.

Its website says it provides support to government and industry, specializing in work for seismic oil drilling exploration programs. Soloy Helicopters did not immediately respond to an email to The Associated Press seeking comment Sunday.

Alaska State Troopers said in a statement Sunday that they received a report of an overdue helicopter and the location of possible crash debris Saturday night.

A rescue team from Alaska Rescue Coordination Center was dispatched to the crash site in the area of Knik Glacier just after 10 p.m., troopers wrote. The team arrived to find five occupants dead and a sole survivor, who was taken to a hospital.

The Alaska Army National Guard and volunteers from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group recovered the bodies from the crash site Sunday and turned them over to the state medical examiner.

A temporary flight restriction placed over the glacier has been lifted, troopers said.


AK21031918
Location: Knik Glacier
Type: Rotorcraft Crash

Update 3/28 1650

The Alaska Army National Guard and volunteers from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group have recovered the deceased from the helicopter crash site near Knik Glacier. 

Next of kin for the deceased have been notified, and they are identified as:

52-year-old Colorado resident Gregory Harms
56-year-old Czech Republic resident Petr Kellner
50-year-old Czech Republic resident Benjamin Larochaix
38-year-old Girdwood, Alaska resident Sean McMannany
33-year-old Anchorage, Alaska resident Zach Russel (pilot) 

The injured passenger remains in serious but stable condition and is receiving medical care at an Anchorage area hospital. 

The helicopter was an Airbus AS350B3 owned by Soloy Helicopters of Wasilla, Alaska. 

The group is believed to have been heli-skiing in the area. 

The NTSB will conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash. 

The deceased have been turned over to the Alaska State Medical Examiner. 

The Temporary Flight Restriction that was in place over the Knik Glacier area has been lifted.

The Alaska State Troopers would like to thank the volunteers from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group and our partners at the Alaska Army National Guard for their assistance in the recovery operations. 

Update 3/28 1211: A temporary flight restriction is currently in place from 1100 hrs 3/28 to 1100 hrs 3/29 near Knik Glacier for a recovery mission. Pilots should avoid the area. More information and detailed coordinates can be found at: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_1_1372.html

Original: On March 27, 2021, at approximately 2200 hours, Alaska State Troopers were notified of an overdue helicopter and the location of possible crash debris in the area of Knik Glacier. The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center dispatched a rescue team who located the crash site. The rescuers found a sole survivor at the crash site and transported the individual for medical care; the survivor is currently in serious but stable condition. Five other occupants of the helicopter were found deceased. The Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Army National Guard, and Alaska Mountain Rescue Group will attempt recovery efforts at the crash site today. Next of kin notifications are ongoing. The NTSB will be conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash.



Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Additional Participating Entities: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fairbanks, Alaska
Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses; Paris
Airbus Helicopters; Grand Prairie, Texas
Safran Helicopter Engines; Grand Prairie, Texas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Delta Junction, Alaska
Accident Number: ANC17CA041
Date & Time: August 3, 2017
Registration: N351SH
Aircraft: Airbus AS350 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled

Analysis

The helicopter pilot reported that he was transporting a passenger to a remote drilling site where a tracked drilling unit was stationed. He reported that he landed into the wind, which necessitated descending over bordering trees into the drilling site. The helicopter touched down on the dirt, and upon lowering the collective, he reported that he heard a "bang," and the helicopter slowly started to "pick up a ground wobble." The pilot shut down the helicopter, and both occupants exited without further incident.

A postaccident inspection revealed that the blue and red main rotor blades sustained substantial damage from impacting a black 1.5-inch steel frame attached to the tracked drilling unit, which is used to mount a canvas weather shelter for the drilling crews. The pilot reported that the steel frame was not visible to him from above as he was descending into the drilling site. The pilot further reported that he had made multiple landings at the drilling site in the past 3 months and that, with the previous landings, he had
landed farther past the tracked drilling unit, and the steel frame was always behind the helicopter.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The Federal Aviation Administration Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21A, 2012) discusses high and low reconnaissance procedures and states, in part:

The purpose of conducting a high reconnaissance is to determine direction and speed of the wind, a touchdown point, suitability of the landing area, approach and departure axes, and obstacles for both the approach and departure.

A low reconnaissance is accomplished during the approach to the landing area. When flying the approach, verify what was observed in the high reconnaissance, and check for anything new that may have been missed at a higher altitude, such as wires and their supporting structures (poles, towers, etc.), slopes, and small crevices.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a steel frame attached to a tracked drilling unit. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to visually identify the steel frame during the reconnaissance process.

Findings

Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Environmental issues Ground equipment - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight
Landing Miscellaneous/other
Landing Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)
Landing Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial 
Age: 64, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter 
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: May 12, 2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: May 12, 2017
Flight Time: (Estimated) 14998 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2300 hours (Total, this make and model), 14800 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 340 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 167 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Airbus
Registration: N351SH
Model/Series: AS350 B3 
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2008 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 4598
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 19, 2017 100 hour 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4961 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Turbo shaft
Airframe Total Time: 3823.7 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Safran Helicopter Engines
ELT: C126 installed, not activated 
Engine Model/Series: Arriel 2B1
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 847 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Rotorcraft external load (133), On-demand air taxi (135), Agricultural aircraft (137)
Operator Does Business As: SOLOY HELICOPTERS, LLC
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PABI,1277 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 35 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 20:53 Local 
Direction from Accident Site: 217°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 6500 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 11000 ft AGL
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 13 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  / None
Wind Direction: 180° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.12 inches Hg 
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: DELTA JUNCTION, AK (76AK)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: DELTA JUNCTION, AK (76AK)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None 
Latitude, Longitude:  64.467781,-144.914993(est)

Enstrom F-28F, N503PD, Airwest Aviation Academy LLC: Incident occurred August 03, 2017 in Lake Pleasant, Arizona

Airwest Aviation Academy LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N503PD

Emergency landing.

Date: 03-AUG-17
Time: 20:45:00Z
Regis#: N503PD
Aircraft Make: ENSTROM
Aircraft Model: F28
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: INSTRUCTION
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: LAKE PLEASANT
State: ARIZONA

Phoenix, Arizona 
September 30, 2014

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION OPS: PHOENIX, AZ/UAS INCIDENT/1215P/N503PD, ENSTROM EN28, REPORTED A UAS (QUAD-COPTER) HOVERING 300 FEET BELOW WHILE ORBITING AT 1,600 FEET, 3 WNW PHX. NO CONFLICT REPORTED.

9/30/14 12:15 phoenix arizona prelim info from faa ops: phoenix, az/uas incident/1215p/n503pd, enstrom en28, reported a uas (quad-copter) hovering 300 feet below while orbiting at 1,600 feet, 3 wnw phx. no conflict reported.

Cessna 172S Skyhawk, N1129K, registered to American Airplane Exchange and operated by Orange County Flight Center: Accident occurred July 29, 2017 at John Wayne-Orange County Airport (KSNA), Santa Ana, Orange County, California

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Location: Santa Ana, CA
Accident Number: GAA17CA479
Date & Time: 07/29/2017, 1030 PDT 
Registration: N1129K
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: N/A
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector reported that, during a preflight inspection, the student pilot and designated pilot examiner observed propeller damage. Further inspection by maintenance personnel revealed substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage consistent with a hard landing. The airplane was flown by numerous renter pilots before the damage was found, and none of them claimed responsibility for the damage. The time of the accident and the identification of the pilot(s) are unknown. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A hard landing and propeller strike for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. 

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Other/unknown (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown
Hard landing (Defining event)
Abnormal runway contact 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N1129K
Model/Series: 172 S
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2006
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 172S10315
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/30/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4500 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360-L2A
Registered Owner: AMERICAN AIRPLANE EXCHANGE
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: Orange County Flight Center
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Unknown
Condition of Light: Not Reported
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting:
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point:  Unknown, UN (NONE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Unknown
Destination: Unknown, UN (NONE)
Type of Clearance: Unknown
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace: Unknown

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: N/A
Latitude, Longitude: 33.675556, -117.868333 (est)

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Long Beach, California

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Operator: Orange County Flight Center

American Airplane Exchange dba American Aircraft Sales

http://registry.faa.gov/N1129K


NTSB Identification: GAA17CA479
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, July 29, 2017 in Santa Ana, CA
Aircraft: CESSNA 172, registration: N1129K
Injuries: Unavailable

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector reported that, during a preflight inspection, the student pilot and designated pilot examiner observed propeller damage during their preflight inspection. Subsequently, a further inspection by maintenance personnel revealed substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. The airplane was flown by numerous renter pilots prior to the damage being found, and none of them claimed responsibility for the damage.

Beech D17S Staggerwing, N44562: Accident occurred August 03, 2017 at Colorado Springs Airport (KCOS), El Paso County, Colorado

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA301
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, August 03, 2017 in Colorado Springs, CO
Probable Cause Approval Date: 11/14/2017
Aircraft: BEECH D17S, registration: N44562
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The airline transport pilot was landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane in right quartering tailwind conditions. After touchdown, with the tailwheel on the runway, the airplane drifted to the right and the pilot applied left brake. The right landing gear collapsed, and the airplane ground looped and came to rest upright near the right edge of the runway. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane, and that, "it got away from me, I guess."

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind.

On August 3, 2017, about 1130 mountain daylight time, a Beech D17S airplane, N44562, ground looped during landing at City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS), Colorado Springs, Colorado. The pilot and one passenger were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The flight departed Gallup Municipal Airport (GUP), Gallup, New Mexico, about 0900. 

The pilot stated during landing the right quartering tailwind was 10 to 13 mph. He made a normal landing with a lot of left rudder application to keep the airplane straight. After touchdown, with the tailwheel on the runway, the airplane drifted to the right and he applied left brake. The right landing gear collapsed and the airplane continued to the right edge of the runway where it came to rest upright. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane and that "it got away from me, I guess."

The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the airplane landed on runway 35L and ground looped during the landing roll. The right main landing gear collapsed (figure 1), the lower right wing struck the ground. A postaccident examination revealed no anomalies with the landing gear.

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N44562

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA301
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, August 03, 2017 in Colorado Springs, CO
Aircraft: BEECH D17S, registration: N44562
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On August 3, 2017, about 1130 mountain daylight time, a Beech D17S airplane, N44562, ground looped during landing at City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS), Colorado Springs, Colorado. The pilot and one passenger were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The flight departed Gallup Municipal Airport (GUP), Gallup, New Mexico, about 0900.

The pilot stated during landing the right quartering tailwind was 10 to 13 mph. He made a normal landing with a lot of left rudder application to keep the airplane straight. After touchdown, with the tailwheel on the runway, the airplane drifted to the right and he applied left brake. The right landing gear collapsed and the airplane continued to the right edge of the runway where it came to rest upright. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane and that "it got away from me, I guess."


The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the airplane landed on runway 35L and ground looped during the landing roll. The right main landing gear collapsed (figure 1), the lower right wing struck the ground. A postaccident examination revealed no anomalies with the landing gear.

NTSB Identification: CEN17LA301
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, August 03, 2017 in Colorado Springs, CO
Aircraft: BEECH D17S, registration: N44562
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On August 3, 2017, about 1130 mountain daylight time, a Beech D17S airplane, N44562, ground looped during landing at City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS), Colorado Springs, Colorado. The pilot and one passenger were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The flight departed Gallup Municipal Airport (GUP), Gallup, New Mexico, about 0900. 

The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the airplane landed on runway 35L and ground looped during the landing roll. The right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing struck the ground (figure 1). 

The airplane has been retained for further examination.