On August 8, 2001, a Schweizer 300C (registration N1281R) operated by Highland Helicopter Services was involved in an aviation accident near Cicero, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while hovering, and the CFI's delayed remedial action. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a training approach, a helicopter flared and hovered three feet above the runway. Rotor and engine rpm decreased, the helicopter turned left, and after a 360-degree rotation, the left skid struck the ground, causing a rollover.
Accident Sequence
While under instruction with the pilot at the controls, the helicopter conducted an approach to a runway. As it neared the runway, the pilot flared the helicopter and leveled it at approximately three feet above the ground, achieving zero forward airspeed. The certified flight instructor (CFI) observed that both rotor and engine revolutions per minute (rpm) began to decrease. Concurrently, the helicopter started turning to the left. The CFI assumed control of the aircraft and attempted to correct the developing situation. Despite these efforts, the helicopter continued to rotate through 360 degrees, and the left landing skid made contact with the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled over onto its left side and came to a stop.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the helicopter and its powerplant revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies. The right landing skid was found separated from its struts, with the fasteners sheared. Dirt was observed packed into the heel of the skid. The middle and aft skid shoes exhibited deformation and were twisted clockwise on the skid. The damage pattern was consistent with the skid contacting the ground while the helicopter was moving in a right lateral direction under significant impact force.