SCHWEIZER 269C-1

Titusville, FL, May 31, 2012

Event Information

DateMay 31, 2012
Event TypeACC
LocationTitusville, FL
CountryUSA
Coordinates28.44167, -80.85917
AirportSpace Coast Regional Airport
Highest InjuryNONE
NTSB NumberERA12CA375
Event ID20120531X15954

Aircraft

MakeSCHWEIZER
Model269C-1
Registration #N1803R
OperatorBRISTOW ACADEMY INC
OwnerBRISTOW ACADEMY INC
CategoryHELI
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action during a simulated engine-out procedure, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

According to the certificated flight instructor (CFI), during the helicopter instructional flight, a simulated engine failure maneuver was being performed. During the descent, the engine rpm began to decrease. The anticipated approach path to the landing area required the helicopter to overfly trees. As the helicopter approached the intended landing area, the student pilot raised the collective, which further decreased the rotor rpm. The CFI lowered the collective and increased the throttle; the helicopter landed hard, bounced, landed a second time, and rolled onto its left side, which resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom. A postaccident investigation revealed no preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, neither pilot reported any mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.

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.

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