Casualties unknown

2002-07-16: Robinson R-22 (N7183Z) — Bering Air Inc — Nome, AK

Nome, AK, US

On July 16, 2002, a Robinson R-22 (registration N7183Z) operated by Bering Air Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Nome, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance in hilly terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was the performance of a low altitude flight maneuver. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter maneuvering at low altitude to herd reindeer settled and impacted a hillside, severing its tail boom with rotor blades and rolling onto its side.

Accident Details

According to the pilot's report, the helicopter was being used for reindeer herding operations in hilly terrain. While flying at an altitude of 20 to 30 feet above ground level, the pilot executed a turn that placed the helicopter downwind. During this maneuver, the aircraft began to descend toward the ground. The pilot responded by applying full up collective and full aft cyclic inputs in an attempt to arrest the descent, but these actions were insufficient to stop the helicopter from continuing downward.

The helicopter subsequently made lateral contact with the side of a hill. The impact caused the main rotor blades to strike and sever the tail boom. Following the separation of the tail boom, the helicopter rolled downhill and came to rest on its side.

The reported sequence of events does not include additional details regarding the specific helicopter type, registration, operator, location, date, time of day, weather conditions, air traffic control involvement, or information about occupants and injuries.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020731X01273. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.