Background
A commercial helicopter pilot, accompanied by one passenger, was en route from Petersburg to Juneau when he was requested to join a search for an overdue company helicopter (N6007S).
Sequence of Events
Upon entering the search area, the pilot received a radio transmission from another company helicopter (N6052C) also involved in the search. The pilot of N6052C reported that he had crashed on the ice field and required assistance. Due to poor weather conditions in the vicinity of N6052C, the pilot of N6099Y determined that landing was not possible and elected to return to the airport for fuel, intending to wait for better weather.
After refueling, the pilot returned to the accident site of N6052C, where weather conditions had improved. He landed, and the uninjured pilot and passenger from N6052C boarded N6099Y. All aboard agreed to continue the search for N6007S.
Accident Description
The pilot of N6099Y located the downed helicopter about two miles directly ahead of his position. He slowed the helicopter to approximately 30 knots to gain reference using a mountain range on the left side and the accident site of N6007S. The pilot reported that the ceiling at his location was at least 1,000 feet above ground level (agl), and visibility towards N6007S exceeded six miles. He stated that just before impact, he was confident he was at least 500 feet agl. However, flat light conditions hampered his ability to discern topographical features of the ice field below.
The helicopter struck the snow-covered ice field, slid about 50 feet, nosed over, and rolled to the left. The accident helicopter was not equipped with a radar altimeter.
Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and rotor system.