# NTSB ANC85LA050: Bell UH-1H, N58RF, Moses Point, AK, March 2, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 2, 1985, 15:55 local (19:55 UTC)
- Place: Moses Point, AK
- Location: 64.7000° N, 162.0333° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Moses Point, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=64.7000&lon=-162.0333&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4468
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA050
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4468/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA050

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - weather condition - snow (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - whiteout (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - icy
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

APRX 15 MILES SE OF MOSES POINT THE HELICOPTER ENCOUNTERED DETERIORATING WX. A DESCENT WAS MADE TO 50 FT ABOVE THE ICE AT AN AIRSPEED OF ABOUT 50 KTS. AT THIS TIME A WHITE OUT CONDITION WAS ENCOUNTERED AND A RIGHT TURN WAS INITIATED. THE RIGHT SKID CONTACTED THE ICE AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N58RF (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL UH-1H
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 6816339
- Airframe hours: 5097
- Engines: LYCOMING T-53 1400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Public aircraft, Part 91
- Registered owner: Nat. Oceanic Atmospheric Admin
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: AAIP, March 1, 1985, 1 hours before
- Departed: OME, NOME, AK
- Destination: FAI, FAIRBANKS, AK
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,729 total, 82 in this make and model, 2,161 as pilot in command, 38 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 20 knots
- Temperature: 19 °F, dew point 18 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

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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