Casualties unknown

Helicopter Strikes Ground During Intentional Autorotation (N75068)

Hazelton, IN, US

On December 5, 2007, a Schweizer 269C (registration N75068) was involved in an aviation accident near Hazelton, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor speed during the intentional autorotation, and his subsequent inability to reduce the descent rate prior to impact. A contributing factor was the intentional autorotation initiated by the pilot. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During an intentional autorotation to an airport landing site, a helicopter drifted and the pilot was unable to reduce descent rate, resulting in ground impact. Post-accident inspection found no anomalies.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducted an intentional autorotation to a designated landing site at the destination airport. According to the pilot's recollection, after entering the autorotation, the helicopter began to drift, making it questionable whether the intended touchdown point could be reached.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that he had intended to add power to continue to the intended landing site, but the helicopter did not seem to respond as expected. He was subsequently unable to reduce the descent rate, and the helicopter impacted the ground at the point of intended landing.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection of the helicopter did not reveal any anomalies or malfunctions that could have contributed to the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20080122X00089. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.