NTSB Factual Report

On July 16, 2002, about 1300 Alaska daylight time, a Robinson R-22 helicopter, N7183Z, sustained substantial damage during a collision with terrain while maneuvering about 23 miles north of Nome, Alaska. The helicopter was being operated by Bering Air Inc. of Nome, as a visual flight rules (VFR) flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The solo airline transport pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated at the Nome airport about 0900, and was conducting reindeer herding operations.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on July 16, the pilot said he was at a low altitude herding reindeer, and turned downwind. He said as he turned downwind the helicopter started to descend, and he attempted to stop the descent by adding power. He said the helicopter inadvertently landed hard, and during the hard landing the main rotor chopped off the tail boom. The helicopter then rocked forward and rolled downhill onto its left side.

The pilot said there were no known mechanical anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.

In a written report to the NTSB, the pilot reported that he was repositioning on the herd by maneuvering at 20-30 feet above ground level. He said he started a pedal turn to keep the tail of the helicopter away from ascending terrain, and the helicopter turned downwind. With the tailwind the helicopter started to settle toward the ground. He said he eventually applied full up collective, and full aft cyclic controls, but the helicopter continued to descend, and had a hard landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance in hilly terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was the performance of a low altitude flight maneuver.