What happened
On August 16, 2023, a Schweizer 269C-1 helicopter, registration PR-KNM, was conducting a local instructional flight at the Pará de Minas Aerodrome (SNPA) in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The flight was part of a private pilot training program operated by EFAI – Escola de Pilotagem LTD.
During the flight, the instructor and student were performing a specific training maneuver: hovering within ground effect at an altitude of approximately 1.5 meters. During this exercise, the student pilot exhibited a tendency to allow the aircraft to drift forward. In an attempt to allow the student to recognize and correct this error, the instructor reduced verbal warnings and ceased providing manual assistance with the flight controls. This led to improper collective control by the student, causing a loss of altitude. As the aircraft descended, the right skid made contact with the ground, acting as a pivot and triggering a dynamic rollover.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that both the instructor and student held valid medical certificates and that the instructor was properly qualified for the flight. The Schweizer 269C-1 was within weight and balance limits, and its airworthiness certificate was valid. While investigators noted that the engine and airframe logbooks were not updated regarding certain historical records, no mechanical failures or maintenance issues were found to have contributed to the accident.
Weather conditions at the time of the occurrence were reported to be well above the minimum requirements for flight. The investigation focused on the instructional techniques used during the high-risk, low-altitude maneuver.