Severe Downdraft NOT Countered -- Even With Full Power

Landing on glaciers, on purpose, seems like a strange thing to do for this Florida pilot. Then again, if you know what you're doing it must be pretty cool... so long as no surprises are encountered. Well, a surprise is just what this Helio pilot ran into as she tried landing on the McCall Glacier. It's a beautiful place... but treacherous as hell when Mother nature decides to show who's boss...

NTSB Identification: ANC09LA047
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Saturday, May 16, 2009 in Kaktovic, AK
Aircraft: HELIO H-295, registration: N295SC
Injuries: 3 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On May 16, 2009, about 1250 Alaska daylight time, a wheel ski-equipped Helio H-295 airplane, N295SC, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing on snow-covered glacial terrain about 56 miles south of Kaktovic, Alaska. The airplane was being operated by Alaska Flyers, Fairbanks, Alaska, as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand charter flight, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135. The airline transport pilot and the two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight departed from the Fairbanks International Airport, Fairbanks, about 0830.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on May 18, the pilot reported that she was landing at the 6,200 foot level of the McCall Glacier, which was surrounded by mountainous terrain. She said that during the approach she encountered a downdraft as the airplane passed by a ridge line, and the airplane began to descend below her anticipated approach path. She added full engine power to stop the descent, but the airplane continued to descend, and it landed hard about 200 feet short of her intended touchdown point. During touchdown, the airplane’s right main landing gear axle broke, which pivoted the airplane to the right. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left side of the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

The pilot characterized wind conditions on the surface of the glacier as light and variable, but reported encountering stronger winds during the approach.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20090520X95252&key=1