2002-06-26: Eurocopter France AS-350-B2 — Denali Park, AK

Casualties unknown • Denali Park, AK, US

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff, which resulted in dynamic rollover of the helicopter. A contributing factor was the frozen terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot of the accident helicopter reported that he was attempting to takeoff from a glacier. During takeoff, he discovered the right landing gear skid was frozen to the surface of the glacier, and he decreased the collective control input. As he reduced the collective control input, the right skid broke free from the ice. He said that due to left cyclic input, when the right skid broke free from the ice, a left rolling moment was induced. The helicopter's main rotor blades subsequently contacted the surface of the glacier, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-06-26 Eurocopter France AS-350-B2 accident near Denali Park, AK?

The pilot of the accident helicopter reported that he was attempting to takeoff from a glacier. During takeoff, he discovered the right landing gear skid was frozen to the surface of the glacier, and he decreased the collective control input. As he reduced the collective control input, the right skid broke free from…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-06-26 involved a Eurocopter France AS-350-B2, registration N197EH, at Denali Park, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff, which resulted in dynamic rollover of the helicopter. A contributing factor was the frozen terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020712X01119. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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