SCHWEIZER 269C-1
Lewiston, ME — October 8, 2009
Event Information
| Date | October 8, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA10CA010 |
| Event ID | 20091008X12947 |
| Location | Lewiston, ME |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.08055, -70.47250 |
| Airport | Auburn/Lewiston Municipal Airp |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | SCHWEIZER |
| Model | 269C-1 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE) resulting from hovering the helicopter in a tailwind.
Full Narrative
The pilot of a helicopter was conducting a non-revenue sightseeing flight for one passenger. After lifting off, the pilot stated that he was hovering eastbound with the winds out of the west. A METAR taken on the airport approximately 5 minutes before the accident indicated the wind was from 340 degrees at 11 knots with gusts to 16 knots. The pilot further stated that the helicopter’s nose made a sudden yaw to the right, which could not be corrected with reduction of throttle and full left pedal application. The helicopter touched down after a 270 degree turn, came to rest upright, with substantial damage to the main rotor blades, skids and tailboom. According to a Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular (AC) 90-95 titled "Unanticipated Right Yaw in Helicopters", operation of a helicopter with a tailwind can result in unanticipated right yaw or loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.