No fatalities

11 Mar 2012: HUGHES 369 D — Prism Helicopters Inc — Trading Bay, AK

Trading Bay, AK, United States

On 11 Mar 2012, a HUGHES 369 D operated by Prism Helicopters Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Trading Bay, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site in flat-light conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent dynamic rollover. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter sustained substantial damage after the pilot overcorrected a left roll during an off-airport landing in flat-light conditions, causing a dynamic roll to the right.

Overview

A helicopter experienced a rollover during an off-airport landing in flat-light conditions. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies.

Accident Sequence

The pilot was landing at an off-airport site when the helicopter touched down in flat-light conditions. Immediately after touchdown, the left skid sank into the snow, causing the helicopter to begin rolling to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the roll by applying right cyclic input. However, the pilot overcorrected, and the helicopter entered a dynamic roll to the right.

Damage

The dynamic roll resulted in substantial damage to the tail boom and main rotor drive system. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the helicopter.

Contributing factors

Causes

Effect on operationPilot

Other contributing factors

Capability exceededAwareness of condition