Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in the tail rotor contacting terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing a high-skid-equipped helicopter on a snow-covered glacier. After touchdown, both skids sank into the snow, and the tail rotor contacted terrain. The tail rotor drive shaft and tail rotor gear box sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA033 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 18, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Valdez, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aerospatiale AS350 B2 ECUREUIL
- N-number
- N191EH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.