Eurocopter AS 350 B2 N149TH accident near Juneau, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance during takeoff from uneven, snow-covered terrain in flat light conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while departing from a remote, snow-covered, glacier camp, which required a hovering backwards departure from a helipad site, the helicopter’s vertical stabilizer struck a snow berm, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and tail boom assembly. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot noted that flat light conditions made it difficult to discern the height of the helicopter over the uneven, snow-covered terrain immediately surrounding the helipad site.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA092 for the full record.