Pilot Debrief

SCHWEIZER 269C near Las Vegas, NV — 2011-06-04

Final reportWPR11CA250
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Date
2011-06-04
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Aircraft
SCHWEIZER 269C
Registration
N6128U
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain while attempting a transition from hovering flight to forward flight over a mesa in windy, downdraft conditions.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, while on a sightseeing flight he flew over a mesa and commenced a hover maneuver about 12 feet above a ridge line. When the wind speed increased he attempted to depart the area. The pilot stated that he encountered a strong downdraft in the estimated 20-knot wind. While flying toward lower elevation terrain on the lee side of the mesa in an effort to depart the area, the helicopter's skids impacted rocks and the helicopter rolled over.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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