Accident Overview
On May 16, 2009, about 1250 Alaska daylight time, a wheel ski-equipped Helio H-295 airplane, registration N295SC, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing on snow-covered glacial terrain, approximately 56 miles south of Kaktovic, Alaska. The airplane was operated by Alaska Flyers, Fairbanks, Alaska, as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand charter flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. The airline transport pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and company flight following procedures were in effect.
Flight Details
The flight departed Fairbanks International Airport, Fairbanks, about 0830. The intended destination was the McCall Glacier, where the pilot planned to land at the 6,200 foot level. The glacier was surrounded by mountainous terrain.
Landing Sequence
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on May 18, the pilot reported that during the approach she encountered a downdraft as the airplane passed by a ridge line, causing the airplane to descend below her anticipated approach path. She added full engine power to initiate a go-around, but the airplane continued to descend and landed hard approximately 200 feet short of her intended touchdown point. At touchdown, the airplane’s right main landing gear axle broke, pivoting the airplane to the right. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left side of the fuselage.
Other Information
The pilot characterized wind conditions on the surface of the glacier as light and variable, but reported encountering stronger winds during the approach. In a written statement to the NTSB, the pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. She also noted that following this accident, during subsequent approaches to the same site, she altered her landing approach to minimize exposure to downdrafts and increased the approach altitude to allow for a go-around if required.