# NTSB ANC84LA171: Helio H-395A, N4195D, Shellerbager Ps, AK, August 27, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 27, 1984, 10:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Shellerbager Ps, AK
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4367
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC84LA171
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4367/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84LA171

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Nose over, landing - roll
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - low pass - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT LANDED ON A RWY THAT WAS COVERED WITH 18 TO 30 INCHES OF SNOW. SHORTLY AFTER TOUCHDOWN THE ACFT NOSED OVER. THE PLT RECOMMENDED THAT WHEN IN DOUBT ABOUT LANDING-DON'T LAND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4195D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4195D), registered now, S/N 1008, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HELIO H-395A
- Registry model: [Helio H-395A](https://openairdocs.org/model/helio-h-395a) (registry code 4300206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming GO-435](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-go-435) (registry code 41520, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1008
- Airframe hours: 5945
- Engines: LYCOMING GO-480 295 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Chris R. Branham
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 25, 1984, 2 hours before
- Departed: FINGER LAKE, AK
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,500 total, 3,500 in this make and model, 1,800 as pilot in command, 90 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840827050829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840827050829A), Aug 27, 1984: Helio H395A, Shellerbager Pa, AK, Substantial damage. Wheel equipped Helio nosed over on landing on a snow covered runway. Snow was 18 to 30 inches deep.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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