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Helicopter Damaged After Main Rotor Blades Strike Snow Bank During Hover Taxi (N422R)

Elim, AK, US

On March 15, 2005, a Bell 206B (registration N422R) operated by John Mason Oney was involved in an aviation accident near Elim, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter operated by an airline transport pilot sustained substantial damage when its main rotor blades struck a snow ridge during a hover taxi in reduced visibility due to flat light and fog. The pilot had made a precautionary landing and was repositioning the aircraft.

Circumstances

The accident involved a helicopter equipped with a high skid landing gear, flown by an airline transport certificated pilot. The flight was conducted over flat terrain covered with snow. As the flight progressed, visibility decreased to approximately one and one-half miles, making it challenging to discern the surface of the featureless landscape.

Precautionary Landing and Repositioning

Faced with deteriorating visibility, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing to wait for improved weather conditions. After landing, he chose to reposition the helicopter to a more suitable location. Shortly after takeoff, as the helicopter moved forward, the pilot reported that flat light and worsening fog contributed to his inability to recognize topographical features.

Accident Sequence

During hover taxiing, the main rotor blades struck a snow ridge. The impact caused the helicopter to pitch forward. The force of the strike sheared the main rotor mast, and the helicopter rolled to the right before coming to rest upright against the snow ridge.

Damage Assessment

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, main rotor blades, and transmission deck assembly. The pilot noted that no preaccident mechanical anomalies were identified with the helicopter.

Controlled flight into terrain

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Mar 2005 Bell 206B accident near Elim, AK?

A helicopter operated by an airline transport pilot sustained substantial damage when its main rotor blades struck a snow ridge during a hover taxi in reduced visibility due to flat light and fog. The pilot had made a precautionary landing and was repositioning the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Mar 2005 Bell 206B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Mar 2005 involved a Bell 206B, registration N422R, operated by John Mason Oney, at Elim, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the accident are flat light, whiteout conditions, fog, and snow-covered terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050512X00602. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.