Pilot Debrief

Schweizer 269D near San Antonio, TX — 2008-05-09

Final reportDFW08TA137
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Date
2008-05-09
Location
San Antonio, TX, USA
Airport
SSF
Aircraft
Schweizer 269D
Registration
N584PM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to compensate for the excessive rate of descent on final approach. A contributing factor was the reported down draft.

NTSB narrative

While demonstrating a 180 degree autorotation, the helicopter encountered a downdraft resulting in an unexpected loss of altitude. The flight instructor elected not to roll power and decided to continue the autorotation to the ground. The pilot was unable to arrest the descent rate. The helicopter touched down level, bounced, and came to rest in the upright position. The flight instructor and private pilot were able to exit the helicopter normally.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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