Pilot Debrief

SCHWEIZER 269C near Eden Prairie, MN — 2017-05-22

Final reportGAA17CA296
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Date
2017-05-22
Location
Eden Prairie, MN, USA
Airport
FCM
Aircraft
SCHWEIZER 269C
Registration
N2032S
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's loss of lateral control while practicing autorotations from a hover and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a bounced landing and dynamic roll-over.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor in the helicopter reported that the student pilot was practicing autorotations from a hover while pointing the helicopter into the wind over tall grass from about 1 ft above the ground. He added that the student "rolled off the throttle, the helicopter descended to the ground, appeared to bounce, moved slightly to the right and began a quick roll to the right." Subsequently, the helicopter pivoted on its right skid, the main rotor impacted terrain, and the helicopter rolled over to the right. The main rotor and windscreen sustained substantial damage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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