Accident Details
On September 7, 2024, about 0924 Alaska daylight time, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration N306FW, sustained substantial damage when it crashed into the Naknek River near Grassy Point, south of King Salmon, Alaska. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an on-demand air taxi operation. The helicopter was owned and operated by Egli Air Haul, transporting four passengers to a sport fishing camp.
Flight History
The pilot contacted the King Salmon Airport (AKN) control tower specialist to request a special visual flight rules (SVFR) clearance to depart southbound. The controller issued the clearance and instructed the pilot to report clear of Class D airspace to the south. The helicopter departed shortly thereafter.
Soon after departure, the tower specialist received a phone call from an observer south of the airport reporting that a helicopter had crashed into the Naknak River near Grassy Point. Attempts to contact the departing helicopter were unsuccessful.
The pilot reported that while flying over the calm water of the Naknek River, he encountered a very dense fog bank. He lost all visual reference and became disoriented when attempting to climb. The helicopter then descended and impacted the river surface.
Witness Reports
Witnesses reported foggy conditions at the airport before departure. One witness walking along the riverbank stated the fog was so dense she could not see the opposite side of the river. She observed the helicopter just before impact, flying less than 100 feet above the water.
Wreckage and Impact Examination
The fuselage remained intact with all major components attached. The tail rotor blades and gearbox were undamaged. Flight control continuity was established: cyclic and collective controls traced from cockpit to main rotor hub, anti-torque control traced to tail rotor with impact-related fractures at the flight control “broom closet.” Tail rotor pitch control operated smoothly. Hydraulic servos, hoses, fuel, oil, and electrical lines in the engine compartment were undamaged and connected. The fuel control unit was undamaged, and throttle control was continuous to the unit. Rotational scoring was observed on the tail rotor drive shaft under the engine and on the input shaft to the K-flex coupling.
Survival Aspects
The passenger in the front left seat, using a 4-point seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries and was unable to exit the helicopter after it submerged. The pilot and the other three passengers sustained minor injuries.