1995-02-04: Schweizer 269C — Precision Helicopters, Inc

1995-02-04: Schweizer 269C — Precision Helicopters, Inc — Red Bluff, CA

Casualties unknown • Red Bluff, CA, US

Probable cause

the flight instructor's poor in-flight decision to continue flight into a reduced visibility area, his failure to execute a 180-degree turn in a timely manner, and his failure to maintain clearance from the terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFI) AND DUAL STUDENT DEPARTED IN A HELICOPTER AT NIGHT ON A COMBINATION NIGHT INSTRUCTIONAL/VFR FERRY FLIGHT. THE PILOTS WERE FOLLOWING AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, WHEN THEY ENCOUNTERED AN AREA OF REDUCED VISIBILITY. THE CFI TOOK CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND MADE A 180-DEGREE TURN. HE REPORTED THAT HE ENTERED A DESCENT TO IMPROVE VISUAL REFERENCE TO THE GROUND AND SLOWED THE HELICOPTER TO ABOUT 40 KNOTS. HOWEVER, THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED THE SURFACE OF A RICE PADDY, SLID IN A LEVEL ATTITUDE UNTIL IT ENCOUNTERED UNEVEN TERRAIN, THEN ROLLED OVER.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-02-04 Schweizer 269C accident near Red Bluff, CA?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-02-04 involved a Schweizer 269C, registration N7509H, operated by Precision Helicopters, Inc, at Red Bluff, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the flight instructor's poor in-flight decision to continue flight into a reduced visibility area, his failure to execute a 180-degree turn in a timely manner, and his failure to maintain clearance from the terrain.

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