Incident Summary
On 10 January 2020 at 20:30 UTC, a Schweizer 269-C helicopter, registration LV-AFB, operated by a private owner, was landing at Aeródromo Casilda in Casilda, Santa Fe, Argentina, during a general aviation instructional flight. While landing on the apron, the helicopter unexpectedly lifted off without any voluntary action, yawed approximately 180 degrees to the right in an uncontrolled manner, and impacted the ground with its main rotor blades. The helicopter then tilted and rolled over onto its right side. Both persons on board were uninjured, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation, the helicopter had landed on the apron about 15 to 20 meters from the fuel hut. Without any preceding voluntary input, the helicopter lifted off, then gyrated about 180 degrees to the right and without control. The main rotor blades struck the ground, causing the helicopter to roll over.
Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage, including deformed main rotor blades and a detached tail rotor. The skids showed no signs of hard landing. The meteorological conditions at the time were CAVOK.
Probable Cause
Not determined.