S M & T Aircraft UH N64771 accident near Northway, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during landing, which resulted in impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The helicopter pilot reported that he and the safety pilot were delivering fuel to a remote camp. During short final with the safety pilot on the controls and while the helicopter was about 50 ft above ground level, the descent rate increased. The safety pilot raised the collective, but the helicopter continued to descend, and the main rotor rpm began to decay. The helicopter then yawed right, rolled left, and impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades. The helicopter pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA345 for the full record.