Helicopter Crash In Alaska That Killed Billionaire Petr Kellner Ruled To Have Been Caused By Pilot Error

A March 2021 helicopter crash that killed Czech billionaire Petr Kellner was most likely caused by a pilot error and inadequate training, according to a report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.

Kellner was president of the investment group PPF and was the Czech Republic’s richest man when he was killed in a heli-skiing crash in Alaska. Kellner died alongside Sean McManamy, Gregory Harms, Benjamin Larochaix and pilot Zachary Russell. The sole survivor survivor of the crash was David Horvath.

Horvath told investigators that the helicopter flew from Wasilla Lake to an area for a skiing day on March 27, 2021. Russell attempted to land on a Knik Glacier ridgeline at around 6,200-foot altitude for the last run of the day.

The NTSB said that “the pilot’s failure to adequately respond to an encounter with whiteout conditions, which resulted in the helicopter’s collision with terrain.”

A massive figure within the post-communist era of the Czech Republic, Kellner had a net worth of $17.5 billion, making him the 68th richest person according to Forbes. He was tied with News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch in terms of wealth.

A wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Kellner’s family earlier this year in relation to the incident.