SCHWEIZER 269C-1
Lebanon, PA — November 20, 2009
Event Information
| Date | November 20, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA10CA075 |
| Event ID | 20091123X94327 |
| Location | Lebanon, PA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.28833, -76.32389 |
| Airport | Keller Brothers Airport |
| 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 | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to arrest the helicopter descent during the simulated engine out maneuver resulting in a hard landing.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot stated that he was performing his first solo autorotation to a full landing. He began the maneuver at approximately 1000 feet, and near the ground noticed that he had a higher than normal rate of decent. He flared late and the helicopter “settled fast”. As the helicopter touched down, the tail struck the ground resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive shaft, and tail rotor assembly. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.
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.