Pilot Debrief

SCHWEIZER 269C-1 near Lebanon, PA — 2009-11-20

Final reportERA10CA075
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Date
2009-11-20
Location
Lebanon, PA, USA
Airport
08N
Aircraft
SCHWEIZER 269C-1
Registration
N321ET
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to arrest the helicopter descent during the simulated engine out maneuver resulting in a hard landing.

NTSB 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 he noticed that he had a higher than normal rate of descent. 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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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