Juneau, AK, USA
N288CH
AEROSPATIALE AS350
The pilot reported that, during the second landing on a "ridge" and while dropping off passengers for skiing, the helicopter's tail rotor contacted a higher area of snow-covered terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and the tail rotor gear box's mounting surface. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
The helicopter pilot reported that, on the second landing on a "ridge/saddle," while dropping off passengers for recreational skiing. The tail rotor contacted a higher spot of snow-covered terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and mounting surface for the tail rotor gearbox. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach to landing on a ridge and his failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain, which resulted in a tail rotor strike.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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