What happened
On September 7, 2024, at approximately 0924 Alaska daylight time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N306FW, crashed into the Naknek River near Grassy Point, south of King Salmon Airport (AKN). The aircraft, operated by Egli Air Haul Inc. under Part 135 regulations, was transporting four passengers to a sport fishing camp.
Before departure, the pilot requested and received a special visual flight rules (SVFR) clearance from the AKN control tower specialist to fly south. The controller instructed the pilot to report when clear of the Class D airspace. Shortly after takeoff, a witness reported seeing the helicopter flying less than 100 feet above the water just before the impact. Following the crash, the tower specialist received a report from an observer that a helicopter had struck the river.
The pilot reported that while flying over the calm water of the Naknek River, the aircraft entered a very dense fog bank. This caused the pilot to lose all visual references. During an attempt to climb, the pilot became disoriented, leading to the helicopter's descent and impact with the water surface.
There was 1 fatality and 4 minor injuries resulting from the accident. The fatal passenger, seated in the front left seat with a 4-point restraint, was unable to exit the aircraft as it went under the water.
The investigation
Mechanical examination of the wreckage showed the fuselage remained intact with all major components attached. The tail rotor blades, gearbox, and hydraulic servos were undamaged. Flight controls, including the cyclic, collective, and anti-torque systems, were found to be functional, with fractures noted only where consistent with impact damage. All engine compartment lines, including fuel, oil, and electrical lines, were connected and undamaged. Rotational scoring was noted on the tail rotor drive shaft and the K-flex input shaft.