SCHWEIZER 269C
Santa Rosa, NM — July 9, 2010
Event Information
| Date | July 9, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA390 |
| Event ID | 20100713X40415 |
| Location | Santa Rosa, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.93555, -104.64250 |
| Airport | Santa Rosa Route 66 Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | SCHWEIZER |
| Model | 269C |
| 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 student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while landing in gusty surface winds conditions. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate monitoring of the flight.
Full Narrative
According to the written statement provided by the flight instructor, during the cross country flight they elected to divert due to thunderstorms building in the area. While on approach to runway 19, the helicopter encountered a wind gust (estimated to be 45 knots) and "lost tail rotor authority." The flight instructor immediately took control of the helicopter, from the student; however, the tail rotor struck the runway. The flight instructor was able to level and land the helicopter without further incident. The helicopter was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealing that one frame tube was broken, the skid cross tube was bent, and a tail rotor blade was damaged. The flight instructor confirmed that there were no mechanical 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.