Accident Overview
On June 4, 2025, at about 1055 Alaska daylight time, a Robinson R66 turbine-powered helicopter, registration N962MD, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Kaparuk, Alaska. The helicopter was operated by Pollux Aviation of Wasilla, Alaska, as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on-demand charter flight. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured.
Flight Background
According to the director of operations, the flight was part of a contract conducting bird research. The purpose was to scout conditions in the local area; the next day the crew planned to relocate to a remote work camp within the North Slope region for three weeks. The pilot was new to the company and had flown from Wasilla to Deadhorse Airport (PASC) the day before the accident. The accident flight was his first on the North Slope with a passenger.
Weather and Communications
Weather at PASC at departure was reported as wind 080° at 6 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, and an overcast ceiling of 500 feet. The pilot received a weather briefing before departure. Archived FAA communication data show that prior to departure, the pilot contacted the Deadhorse Flight Service Station to request a special VFR clearance to depart west. The specialist issued the clearance and instructed the pilot to report clear of Class E airspace. The helicopter departed west, and about 15 miles west of PASC, the pilot reported being clear of the airport environment. No further radio contact was received.
Search and Recovery
After an emergency locator transmitter signal was received and attempts to contact the crew failed, a North Slope Borough Search and Rescue Sikorsky S-92 helicopter was dispatched from Utqiagvik. Search crews located the wreckage about 25 miles west of Deadhorse in flat, snow-covered, featureless terrain. Preliminary weather data near the accident site indicated 500-foot overcast and 10 statute miles visibility. On June 5, an NTSB investigator traveled to Deadhorse but was delayed by poor weather until June 7. After documenting the wreckage, recovery efforts began. Continuous poor weather delayed recovery until June 9, when the wreckage was slung by helicopter to PASC and then transported to Anchorage for examination.
Wreckage Examination
Initial examination showed all helicopter components were at the accident site. The main wreckage came to rest about 11 feet from the initial impact point and exhibited significant down-stroking impact damage. One main rotor blade was found about 140 feet to the left of the main wreckage; the other remained attached to the main rotor hub. A detailed wreckage examination is pending.