Casualties unknown

Helicopter Submerges in Lake After Tail Rotor Strike During Visual Approach (N144AK)

Shageluk, AK, US

On June 26, 2002, a Robinson R-44 (registration N144AK) operated by Quicksilver Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Shageluk, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's diverted attention. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot conducting a visual approach to a beach over a lake looked inside to check carburetor heat; upon looking up, the helicopter was nose-down. Corrective action led to tail rotor striking water, and the helicopter submerged in nine feet of water.

Incident Overview

A pilot was making a visual approach over water to a beach on the shore of a lake. While approximately 200 feet above the lake surface, the pilot reported looking inside the helicopter to check the carburetor heat setting.

Sequence of Events

When the pilot looked back up, the helicopter was oriented nose-down toward the water. The pilot initiated corrective maneuvers, during which the tail rotor struck the water's surface. The helicopter continued its descent into the lake and ultimately submerged in approximately nine feet of water.

Investigation Details

No further details from the investigation have been released. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, number of occupants, or any injuries. No cause determination has been provided.

All Robinson R44 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jun 2002 Robinson R-44 accident near Shageluk, AK?

A pilot conducting a visual approach to a beach over a lake looked inside to check carburetor heat; upon looking up, the helicopter was nose-down. Corrective action led to tail rotor striking water, and the helicopter submerged in nine feet of water.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jun 2002 involved a Robinson R-44, registration N144AK, operated by Quicksilver Air, Inc., at Shageluk, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's diverted attention.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020724X01199. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.