Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control while landing on a remote helipad.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was landing the helicopter on a remote helipad. After touchdown, he lowered the collective and the helicopter rolled backwards sustaining substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage, and tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation, and that the accident may have been prevented if he had received additional training from the company to include landing on different size helipads, and techniques to ensure the helicopter was safely on the helipad before completely lowering the collective.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA080 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 31, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pelican, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
- N-number
- N779DZ
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2003
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.