2021 Palmer, Alaska helicopter crash

The helicopter involved in the accident was an Airbus AS350B3, registration N351SH.[1]

Knik Glacier

Approximate location of the accident, Knik Glacier (Alaska)

On 27 March 2021, an Airbus AS350B3 helicopter crashed near the Knik Glacier, Palmer, Alaska during a heliskiing trip in Alaska's backcountry.

The crash site

The helicopter crashed into a mountain between Metal Creek and Grasshopper Valley at about 5,500 feet (1,700 m), 10 or 15 feet (3 or 4 m) from the top of the ridge, and rolled some 800 or 900 feet (240 or 270 m) downhill.[2] The missing helicopter was reported to the authorities two hours after the tracking signal stopped.[3]

Five occupants died, one survived. One of the victims was Czech billionaire entrepreneur Petr Kellner.[4][5] According to court filings, Kellner survived the crash and lived for two more hours but “died while waiting for rescue,” while another victim is also believed to have survived initially; rescuers were informed about the overdue helicopter more than 2.5 hours after the crash.[6][7] The lone survivor was found 5 hours, and rescued 6 hours, after the crash; he lost all fingers of his left hand and some fingers of his right hand.[8] The family of Kellner and two other victims filed lawsuits.[9]

The wreckage was moved to Anchorage for investigation. A preliminary report on the accident was published 13 April 2021; according to the preliminary report, GPS data show the helicopter hovered at a low altitude and speed (about one knot, about 1 mph), maneuvering over the ridge in the last three minutes of the flight. It crashed at about 18:35 AKDT.[10]

• Preliminary report