Casualties unknown

1997-10-15: Schweizer 269C (N557DC) — Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks, ND, US

On October 15, 1997, a Schweizer 269C (registration N557DC) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Forks, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in a low fuel state, and his inability to see the wire which the helicopter contacted. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot low on fuel made a precautionary landing, felt a yaw, and initiated a hovering autorotation before regaining control. The helicopter later contacted an electrical wire.

Incident Overview

A pilot on the last leg of a cross-country flight reported being aware of low fuel. The low fuel light illuminated when the helicopter was 9.5 miles from the destination airport. The pilot decided to conduct a precautionary landing.

Sequence of Events

During the landing descent, the low fuel light extinguished. The pilot continued the descent and then experienced a yaw to the right. Suspecting an engine failure, the pilot performed a "hovering autorotation." However, engine power was still available, and the pilot regained control of the helicopter, continuing the landing.

Post-Flight Discovery

After the landing, it was determined that the helicopter had contacted an electrical wire that ran across a nearby road. The source does not specify any injuries, damage, or further details about the wire contact or the helicopter's condition.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08979. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.