On March 29, 1999, a Schweizer 269C (registration N15SS) was involved in an aviation accident near Westerville, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain control of the helicopter. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed a Schweizer 269C helicopter circling low over a house under construction, then wobbling and descending into trees. The investigation found no pre-existing mechanical failure and the engine performed satisfactorily. A dog on board was ejected during the accident.
Accident Sequence
According to witness accounts, a Schweizer 269C helicopter was observed circling over a house under construction at a low altitude. After one pass, the helicopter slowed down; some witnesses reported that it came to a hover. The helicopter then began to wobble, rotated nose-left, and descended into trees.
Investigation Findings
Investigators examined the airframe and found no evidence of pre-existing mechanical failure. The engine was removed and placed in a test cell, where it performed satisfactorily. The pilot was carrying a dog, which was ejected from the helicopter during the accident sequence. Witnesses reported that the dog was restrained by a harness, but investigators found no evidence to support that the dog was restrained at the time of the accident.