NTSB Identification: SEA83FAD02.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 20643.
Nonscheduled 14 CFR
Accident occurred Friday, May 20, 1983 in NEAR YAKUTAT, AK
Aircraft: SUD AVIATION SA 318C, registration: N67099
Injuries: 4 Uninjured.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.THE PLT WAS ON A FLT TO DELIVER 3 PASSENGERS & CARGO TO A RIDGE NEAR THE UPPER PART OF A GLACIER. THE ALTITUDE WAS APRX 5200 FT MSL. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE WX WAS 6000 FT SCATTERED, VISIBILITY 20 MI, WIND FROM THE EAST AT 5 KTS. ACCORDING TO HIM, HE ENCOUNTERED A WHITE-OUT CONDITION AS THE HELICOPTER WAS ABOUT TO TOUCH DOWN DURING THE LANDING. THE RIGHT FLOAT, THEN THE MAIN ROTOR, STRUCK THE SNOW COVERED SURFACE & THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER. THE HELICOPTER WAS SHUT DOWN & ALL OCCUPANTS EVACUATED WITH NO INJURIES. THEY REMAINED AT THE SCENE WITH SURVIVAL GEAR UNTIL RESCUED THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE RESCUE WAS DELAYED BY WX.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
UNSUITABLE TERRAIN OR TAKEOFF/LANDING/TAXI AREA..SELECTED..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
AIRCRAFT HANDLING..UNCONTROLLED..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
SPATIAL DISORIENTATION..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..SNOW COVERED
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..WHITEOUT
Contributing Factors
VISUAL LOOKOUT..NOT POSSIBLE..PILOT IN COMMAND
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