Robinson R44, N7519G: Accident occurred February 24, 2018 in Talkeetna, 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/N7519G

Location: Talkeetna, AK
Accident Number: GAA18CA147
Date & Time: 02/24/2018, 1435 AKS
Registration: N7519G
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Dynamic rollover
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The helicopter pilot reported that, during the off-airport landing, he believed he was landing on packed snow. He added that, during touchdown the helicopter began to tip to the right and he attempted to recover to no avail.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the windshield and horizontal stabilizer.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter 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 pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Findings

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Snowy/icy terrain - Effect on operation
Snowy/icy terrain - Decision related to condition

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Dynamic rollover (Defining event)

Attempted remediation/recovery


Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 72, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Waiver Time Limited Special
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/30/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/28/2015
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 11500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2100 hours (Total, this make and model), 10500 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Registration: N7519G
Model/Series: R44 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2004
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 1363
Landing Gear Type:
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/26/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2600 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-540-F1
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: PATK, 356 ft msl
Observation Time: 2343 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 309°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: -8°C / -10°C
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 2800 ft agl
Visibility:  3 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR): 
Altimeter Setting: 29.61 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: Light - Snow; Moderate - Mist
Departure Point: TALKEETNA, AK (TKA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: Talkeetna, AK
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1415 AST
Type of Airspace:  Class G 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  62.169444, -149.689722 (est)