Casualties unknown

Helicopter Slides Across Glacier Surface and Rolls onto Its Side (N60618)

Skagway, AK, US

On May 31, 1995, an Aerospatiale AS-350-B2 (registration N60618) was involved in an aviation accident near Skagway, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE UNEVEN AND ICY TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter parked on a glacier began sliding forward after boarding, turned left, and rolled onto its left side when its nose entered a depression. The engine was off and rotors were stationary.

Incident Overview

A helicopter parked on the surface of Ferebee Glacier experienced an unexpected slide after passengers and the pilot had boarded and strapped into their seats. The aircraft, with its engine not running and rotors not turning, began moving forward across the ice.

Sequence of Events

After everyone was seated and secured, the helicopter started sliding forward on the glacial ice, gradually gaining speed. According to the pilot, the forward speed did not exceed that of a brisk walk. During the slide, the helicopter yawed to the left. The nose of the aircraft then rolled into a depression in the glacier's surface. As a result, the helicopter continued its motion and rolled onto its left side.

Outcome

The helicopter came to rest on its left side on the glacier. The engine remained off throughout the event, and the rotor blades were not turning. No further details about the aircraft or occupants were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03403. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.