Antelope Fire Hard Landing 2021

On August 22, 2021 on the Antelope Fire on the Klamath National Forest in California, a Eurocopter AS-350 B3 experienced a hard landing. The pilot reported light winds on final approach after completing a high reconnaissance of the landing zone. At approximately 1 to 2 feet from the ground, a brownout condition developed, completely obscuring the ground from view of the pilot. The pilot continued to the ground and felt a slight bump as the aircraft touched down just a few seconds later. As visibility returned, the pilot shut the aircraft down and the aircrew exited the aircraft. At this time the Pilot noted the left skid was slightly bent and the bracket attaching the skid to the cross tube was cracked.

Helicopter Incident or Accident, Aviation, Helicopters