Pilot Debrief

SCHWEIZER 269C near North Las Vegas, NV — 2020-06-23

Final reportWPR20LA190
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Date
2020-06-23
Location
North Las Vegas, NV, USA
Airport
VGT
Aircraft
SCHWEIZER 269C
Registration
N202CC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction onboard the helicopter were returning to the airport following air work in the training area. At 4,000 ft mean sea level (msl), the instructor initiated a simulated engine failure, and the pilot receiving instruction entered an autorotation. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost total power and the flight instructor assumed control of the helicopter and landed on desert terrain, after which the helicopter slid forward between 20 and 40 ft. Examination of the helicopter revealed damage that was consistent with the helicopter rocking forward, then aft, and the tail striking the ground. The flight controls were continuous from the cockpit, and sufficient fuel was onboard. A visual examination and subsequent test run of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Instructor could have aborted the simulated engine failure earlier.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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