Incident Overview
A pilot reported that a public use helicopter was being used to search for a missing person. Shortly after initiating the search, the pilot located the missing individual on a frozen lake. As the pilot approached the lake for landing, he became disoriented due to whiteout conditions. The helicopter struck the frozen lake surface and rolled onto its right side.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and drive train components.
Weather Conditions
The closest official weather observation station is Barrow, located approximately 4 nautical miles north of the accident site. At 1753 on February 24, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) reported: wind from 070 degrees at 13 knots; visibility 3 miles with light snow; scattered clouds at 2,400 feet, broken clouds at 3,800 feet, overcast ceiling at 10,000 feet; temperature minus 7 degrees Fahrenheit; dew point minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit; altimeter 29.81 inHg.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the helicopter.