On September 12, 1991, a Schweizer 269C (registration N6128Q) operated by Pacific Aviation Group, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kahului, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT ENTRY INTO AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PERFORM AN AUTOROTATION. THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot with 36 hours in the helicopter type crashed after witnesses heard popping noises and saw maneuvering at low altitude. The helicopter impacted nose-high, tail-low, with front skids undamaged. Engine examination found no preimpact malfunction.
Accident Overview
A student pilot, who had accumulated a total of 36 flight hours in the helicopter make and model over the preceding five months, departed for a practice flight approximately 20 minutes before the accident. The helicopter subsequently collided with the ground in a nose-high, tail-low attitude. The front section of the landing skids was not damaged during the impact.
Witness Observations
A ground witness reported observing the helicopter maneuvering from side to side at a low altitude immediately prior to the accident. The witness also heard a popping or sputtering noise emanating from the helicopter before it struck the ground.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact malfunction or failure.