SCHWEIZER 269C
Las Vegas, NV — June 4, 2011
Event Information
| Date | June 4, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR11CA250 |
| Event ID | 20110605X24814 |
| Location | Las Vegas, NV |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.91667, -115.31667 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | SCHWEIZER |
| Model | 269C |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain while attempting a transition from hovering flight to forward flight over a mesa in windy, downdraft conditions.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, while on a sightseeing flight he flew over a mesa and commenced a hover maneuver about 12 feet above a ridge line. When the wind speed increased he attempted to depart the area. The pilot stated that he encountered a strong downdraft in the estimated 20-knot wind. While flying toward lower elevation terrain on the lee side of the mesa in an effort at departing the area, the helicopter's skids impacted rocks and the helicopter rolled over.
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.