On February 4, 1995, a Schweizer 269C (registration N7509H) operated by Precision Helicopters, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Red Bluff, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A CFI and student pilot on a night instructional flight encountered reduced visibility while following a highway. The CFI initiated a 180-degree turn and descent, but the helicopter contacted a rice paddy, slid, and rolled over on uneven terrain.
Accident Overview
A flight instructor (CFI) and a dual student departed in a helicopter at night for a combined night instructional and VFR ferry flight. The pilots were navigating by following an interstate highway when they encountered an area of reduced visibility.
Pilot Actions
The CFI took control of the helicopter and executed a 180-degree turn. He reported that he entered a descent to improve his visual reference to the ground and reduced the helicopter's speed to approximately 40 knots.
Impact and Sequence
Despite the maneuver, the helicopter contacted the surface of a rice paddy. It slid in a level attitude across the paddy until it encountered uneven terrain, at which point the helicopter rolled over.
Investigation Notes
The source provides no further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, injuries, or weather conditions beyond the reduced visibility. The investigation did not assign a probable cause.