20 Nov 2009: SCHWEIZER 269C-1 — EAGLE II AERONAUTICS INC

20 Nov 2009: SCHWEIZER 269C-1 — EAGLE II AERONAUTICS INC

No fatalities • Lebanon, PA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to arrest the helicopter descent during the simulated engine out maneuver resulting in a hard landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The helicopter pilot stated that he was performing his first solo autorotation to a full landing. He began the maneuver at approximately 1000 feet, and near the ground noticed that he had a higher than normal rate of decent. He flared late and the helicopter “settled fast”. As the helicopter touched down, the tail struck the ground resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive shaft, and tail rotor assembly. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.

Contributing factors

  • cause Incorrect use/operation
  • cause Descent rate — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 310/10kt, vis 10sm

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