Accident Overview
On August 3, 2017, at approximately 1032 Alaska daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R-44 helicopter, registered as N4138M, sustained substantial damage when it descended into water near Solomon, Alaska. The helicopter was conducting a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on-demand charter flight. The commercial pilot and the passenger were not injured.
Flight Purpose and Sequence
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to place mineral claim markers. This involved maneuvering the helicopter over designated GPS locations, after which the passenger would drop markers from the rear left seat. Some claim corners were in water, requiring offset placement to the nearest land mass. The flight originated from Nome Airport (OME) in Nome, Alaska, and proceeded to the passenger's residence about 4 miles east, where the passenger boarded.
Accident Details
After reaching the destination, the helicopter was operating at an altitude of about 10 to 15 ft above water over a lagoon between the mainland and a sand barrier. The pilot reported that he was "lower than he should have been" and lost situational awareness while programming the GPS. He inadvertently allowed the helicopter to descend into the water "in a more level or slight nose-low attitude." The pilot further stated that he may have pushed forward on the cyclic while leaning forward to operate the GPS. Upon impact, the helicopter rolled and came to rest on its right side in approximately 4 ft of water.
Post-Accident Actions
After exiting the helicopter, the pilot and passenger waded about 200 ft to shore, carrying the helicopter's occupant survival bag and a satellite telephone. The pilot contacted the operator via satellite telephone, and a second company helicopter was dispatched to retrieve them around 1200.
Mechanical and Operational Considerations
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. He noted that the accident could have been prevented by maintaining a higher altitude and not fixating on the GPS unit.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage, tail boom, and tail rotor system.