Bell 206L-1 crash near Kiruna, Sweden

An Alpine Helicopter Sweden AB Bell 206L-1 LongRanger II (SE-HPM) was conducting reindeer herding operations 50km north of Kiruna. After setting down on wet mire, the pilot felt the helicopter was unsteady due to a tuft under the left landing gear. When lifting to reposition, the right rear bear paw plate became caught on a tuft, causing a sudden roll to the right. Despite lowering collective immediately, the helicopter continued rolling right with the main rotor striking the ground. The helicopter came to rest on its right side with extensive damage. The pilot was uninjured. The SHK found the bear paw plate could rotate from its normal position, allowing it to catch on terrain.