2002-10-18: Schweizer 269C — Sierra Academy OF Aeronautics — Hayward, CA

Casualties unknown • Hayward, CA, US

Probable cause

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The helicopter landed hard and rolled over while practicing 180-degree autorotations. The student entered the autorotation and applied excessive collective during the turn. The rpm decreased and the student lowered the nose of the helicopter in order to increase airspeed; consequently, the helicopter was in a low rpm and high airspeed condition as it approached the landing area. The student rolled on the throttle but the descent continued. The CFI then took control of the helicopter but ground impact occurred before he could arrest the descent.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-10-18 Schweizer 269C accident near Hayward, CA?

The helicopter landed hard and rolled over while practicing 180-degree autorotations. The student entered the autorotation and applied excessive collective during the turn. The rpm decreased and the student lowered the nose of the helicopter in order to increase airspeed; consequently, the helicopter was in a low rpm…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-10-18 involved a Schweizer 269C, registration N61416, operated by Sierra Academy OF Aeronautics, at Hayward, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021105X05433. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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