Sikorsky S-61N crash near Kangia Icefjord, 25nm E of Ilulissat, Avannaata, Greenland

On approach to a sightseeing landing site at 500ft in remote mountainous terrain, five seconds before touchdown and 36 feet above the ground, the S-61N's number two engine shut down without command. The crew could not go around at that altitude with the power available and the helicopter struck the terrain at 2.76g, substantially damaging the lower fuselage, sponsons and landing gear. All 27 passengers and crew evacuated uninjured. The AIB concluded the engine had stopped after losing drive to the Accessory Drive Gear, halting the fuel pump, fuel control unit and oil pump and causing instant fuel starvation. Inadequate shimming of the free-wheel forward accessory drive was assessed as the likely origin, producing bevel gear wear, bearing failure under load, gear tooth slip and loss of drive. The helicopter was recovered and later sold as C-FUBW.