According to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board, about 2 p.m. on March 12 a Robinson R-44 helicopter owned by Pollux Aviation of Wasilla caught a skid and rolled while hovering in whiteout conditions about 10 miles west of Iliamna.
The pilot had landed earlier when visual flying conditions became worse, and then took off again after waiting about 10 minutes. The pilot and a passenger were not injured.
The crash spilled about 35 gallons of fuel and about a quart of crankcase oil, said Bruce Jenkins, a spokesman for Northern Dynasty.
Northern Dynasty reported the spill to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. The fuel was absorbed by powdery snow and was cleaned up, Jenkins said.
“Due process was followed,” he said. “This is our first accident. We’re fortunate no one was hurt.”
The crash is under investigation by NTSB and a final report will follow.
Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.
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