Day/date: August 4, 1987
FIELD INCIDENT REPORT
Incident type: Helicopter Accident; Multiple NFS Employee Injuries
Log number: 87-181
Date/time of incident: 8/3, 5 pm (local) Date/time received: 8/4, 1 am
Park: Gates of the Arctic Location: Southeast of Anaktuvuk Pass
Reported by: Tony Sisto, GAAR (through Jim Eastwood, Safety, ARO)
Received by: Bill Halainen, Ranger Activities, WASO
Summary:
This initial report came via radio telephone from the scene of the accident,
and was relayed immediately by ARO. Follow-up later today:
B.R., a contract pilot flying his own Bell Jet Ranger, was hovering near
the ground to discharge his three seasonal passengers, all of whom were part
of a Firepro crew from Gates of the Arctic or Northwest Areas, when his engine
warning light went on. He immediately tried to lift out, but the ship lost
all power, the tail boom and rotor hit, and it crashed into the ground.
Although the helicopter caught fire 15 seconds later and was totally destroyed
by the ensuing fire, all four people on board were able to get out. B.R.
received serious back and head injuries, lacerations and abrasions; B.S.
suffered very serious back injuries; P.B. received burns, cuts, abrasions and
lacerations; J.Z. suffered a serious blow to the face, abrasions and
lacerations. By good fortune, smoke from the accident was spotted by a
passing air charter within 15 minutes of the crash, and the USAF rescue center
was notified. A helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft - both medevac equipped -
responded and lifted the victims out. At the time of the call, all were en
route to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and reported to be in stable condition.
Persons involved:
Name Address DOB or age
B.R. (pilot) Not available Not available
B.S. Not available Not available "
P.B. Not available Not available
J.Z. Not available Not available
FIELD INCIDENT REPORT
Incident type: Followup: Helicopter Accident
Log number: 87-181B
Date/time of incident: 8/3, Date/time received: 8/4
Park: Gates of the Arctic Location: Southeast of Anaktuvuk Pass
Reported by: Tiny Sisto, through Jim Eastwood, ARO
Received by: William Halainen
Summary:
Pilot/owner: B.R. has fractured lumbar in his back (single vertebrae).
Passengers: B.S. has minor cracked sternum.
P.B. has 6% burns, 2nd degree on lower extremities and on
one arm.
J.Z. has a sore cheek.
All have cuts, bruises, lacerations, and contusions.
All injured, have been released from hospital except P.B. who will
remain in the hospital for 10-14 days.
SUMMARY: Helicopter was in a hover to discharge passengers when the
engine warning light came on. B.R. attempted to do an autorotation,
but helicopter lost power, tail boom and rotor struck some rocks and
crashed. All evacuated, 15 seconds later ship burst into flames and
consumed itself. Injured were evacuated to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.
B.R. and B.S. were evacuated by fixed wing, P.B. and J.Z.
were evacuated in a Bell 212. Fixed wing belongs to King Air from the
North slope borough. Medical evaluation at the scene arranged the
transport. Triage done by 2 vacationing physicians.
Jim Eastwood in in Gates of the Arctic to investigate the accident, but is
unable to due to weather conditions. He will wait for weather to improve.
Persons involved:
Name Address DOB or age
FIELD INCIDENT REPORT
Incident type: Fatality - Probable Suicide
Log number: 87-182
Date/time of incident: 8/3, 9:00am Date/time received: 8/4, 3:00pm
Park: GW Memorial Pkwy Location: Roach's Run
Reported by: Dave Blackburn, NCR
Received by: Melissa Warner, WASO
Summary:
USPP responded to a report of visitors finding a human body on waterline.
The individual had a weapon in his hand. The body was that of a black male
approximately 30 years of age. Investigation is ongoing by USPP.
Persons involved:
Name Address DOB or age
UNKNOWN
FIELD INCIDENT REPORT
Incident type: Motor Vehicle Accident with Injuries
Log number: 87-190
Date/time of incident: 8/3, 10:30am Date/time received: 8/4
Park: Cumberland Gap Location: Rt #988 (park road)
Reported by: Steve Smith
Received by: William Halainen
Summary:
J.R. was on patrol in marked government vehicle on a wet, twisty road.
According to investigation by Middleboro, Kentucky Police Department, J.R.
lost control of the vehicle on the wet pavement at a curve in the road
and struck a vehicle in the other lane head-on. J.R. was hospitalized with
head and chest injuries. He has been released from hospital. The driver of
the other vehicle suffered a concussion and possible internal injuries.
Her condition at time of report was stable. Estimated speed of the
vehicles was 25-35 MPH each.
Persons involved:
Name Address DOB or age
L.G. ----- 7/18/28
J.R. ----- 3/31/33