Pilot Debrief

SCHWEIZER 269C near Minden, NE — 2010-07-19

Final reportCEN10LA408
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Date
2010-07-19
Location
Minden, NE, USA
Aircraft
SCHWEIZER 269C
Registration
N410JM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate flare during an autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rollover.

NTSB narrative

While en route to the destination airport, the pilot began detecting heavy vibrations emanating from the helicopter. He performed a scan of the engine instruments, all of which indicated that it was operating within the normal ranges. Unsure of the malfunction, the pilot elected to perform a cautionary autorotation to a plowed field. During the autorotation, the pilot landed hard and the helicopter subsequently rolled over. During the touchdown sequence the helicopter incurred substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact anomaly.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have landed earlier to avoid vibrations and potential issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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