No fatalities

9 Feb 2009: HELIO H-295 — Gary Schmitt — Clemson, SC

Clemson, SC, United States

On 9 Feb 2009, a HELIO H-295 operated by Gary Schmitt was involved in an aviation accident near Clemson, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A Helio H-295 ground looped after the pilot performed a wheel landing and lowered the tailwheel, resulting in damage to the left wing, aileron, and horizontal stabilizer. No mechanical failures were reported.

Incident Overview

A Helio H-295 experienced a ground loop during landing at an unspecified airport. The pilot reported that while landing on Runway 07, the wind was from 160 degrees at 5 knots with gusts to 20 knots. The pilot executed a wheel landing and subsequently lowered the tailwheel.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, as the tailwheel contacted the runway, the airplane yawed to the right. The aircraft then ground looped, resulting in damage to the left wing, left aileron, and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or its systems prior to the accident.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft involved was a Helio H-295. No other details about the aircraft, such as registration or engine count, were provided in the source. No information regarding the date, operator, or precise location of the accident was included.

Damage Assessment

The ground loop caused structural damage to the left wing, left aileron, and left horizontal stabilizer. The extent of the damage was not quantified, but it was noted as resulting from the event. No injuries to occupants were reported.

Weather Conditions

The wind at the time of landing was reported as from 160 degrees at 5 knots with gusts to 20 knots. No other weather factors were mentioned. The time of day was not specified.

Pilot Statement

The pilot provided the account of the landing and subsequent ground loop. No mention was made of any ATC involvement or other contributing factors. The pilot specifically stated that there were no mechanical issues prior to the accident.

Investigation Notes

No formal investigation findings or probable cause were provided in the source. The accident appears to have been a result of the loss of directional control during the landing roll, but the source does not state any causal factors beyond the description of events.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Crosswind