NTSB Factual Report

On September 9, 2001, about 1045 Alaska daylight time, a high-skid equipped Eurocopter AS-350 BA helicopter, N60809, sustained substantial damage during landing on the surface of the Denver Glacier, about 3 miles southeast of Skagway, Alaska. The helicopter was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) business flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The helicopter was owned and operated by TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc., Ketchikan, Alaska. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated at the Skagway Airport, about 1030.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on September 10, the Director of Operations for TEMSCO Helicopters reported the accident helicopter was being utilized to demobilize a remote tourist camp located at the 4,000 feet level of the Denver Glacier. He added that the day before the accident, the area had received about 6 inches of very light, powder snow. He said that as the accident pilot hovered the helicopter toward the landing area, the pilot became disoriented in whiteout conditions, and lost all visual reference due to blowing snow. As the helicopter drifted to the right, the right skid struck the snow, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and drive train components.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's misjudged flare while landing. Factors associated with the accident were whiteout conditions, and snow-covered terrain.