SCHWEIZER 269C
Las Vegas, NV — February 11, 2012
Event Information
| Date | February 11, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR12CA100 |
| Event ID | 20120211X73938 |
| Location | Las Vegas, NV |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.29583, -115.33833 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
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 | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the known wind conditions during a hovering maneuver, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and directional control.
Full Narrative
During an introductory training flight, the instructor attempted to demonstrate a hovering maneuver around a point on the ground. The wind at the time of the accident was estimated by the instructor to be 15 to 20 knots out of the south. During the maneuver when the helicopter was near downwind, the instructor lost control of the helicopter and it started to rotate in an uncontrollable right yaw. The instructor reported that the helicopter continued to spin until hitting the ground and rolling over approximately 300 feet from the initiation of the loss of control. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and main rotor drive system. The reported wind at the time of departure was from 180 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions 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.