Accident Details
On March 4, 2008, at approximately 1630 Alaska standard time, a Bell 206L helicopter, registration N404EH, sustained substantial damage when it collided with terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering. The accident occurred about 59 miles southeast of Nikolai, Alaska. The helicopter was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) aerial photography flight under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial certificated pilot and sole passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Report
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge on March 5, the pilot stated that he was maneuvering the helicopter while his passenger filmed a dogsled race when the helicopter impacted terrain. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter.
In a written statement dated March 13, the pilot provided additional details. He reported that he was flying along slowly when a gust of wind caused a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. The helicopter began to turn to the right. The pilot reduced collective pitch and followed the turn in an attempt to regain control. During this maneuver, he was losing altitude and approaching terrain. He stated that a second gust caused a further loss of tail rotor effectiveness. As the helicopter rotated, the tail rotor struck a tree, and the helicopter subsequently impacted the ground.
Damage and Investigation
The helicopter received structural damage to the fuselage and rotor system during the collision with terrain. The NTSB did not examine the helicopter.