2011 Schweizer 269C-1 accident at Šumvald (OK-XIS)

Overview and flight details On 25 June 2011, a Schweizer 269C-1 helicopter, registration OK-XIS, operated by HELIWORK CZ, s.r.o., was involved in an accident at the Šumvald sports flying site. The aircraft was a light, single-engine helicopter with a three-blade main rotor and skid landing gear. The pilot, a 54-year-old commercial helicopter pilot, was accompanied by a 39-year-old passenger. The helicopter had a total time of 5,139 hours 21 minutes, and its Lycoming O-320 B2C engine had 6,558 hours 17 minutes of operation. ## Sequence of events The pilot conducted a preflight inspection and refueled at Olomouc before flying to Šumvald, where he made two uneventful landings. At 15:15 UTC, he took off for a photography flight. During the flight, the crew encountered strong turbulence and wind gusts over hilly terrain, prompting the pilot to return to the site and wait for better conditions. During the approach, the pilot decided to land almost perpendicular to the site's axis due to wind direction, turbulence, and limited engine power reserve. While turning, the helicopter was blown off course, and the pilot increased bank angle and forward speed. A gust caused the helicopter to sink below the optimal descent angle. With low altitude and flat terrain ahead, the pilot chose to land with a roll-out on a grassy area before the runway. ## Accident and damage After touchdown, approximately 38 meters before the edge of the site, the helicopter began to veer to the right. The pilot applied left rudder, but the helicopter did not respond and continued turning right. He attempted to counteract the roll using cyclic control and increased collective to lighten the aircraft, but the maneuver was interrupted by the continued skid and right turn. When the right skid struck a ground irregularity, the helicopter began to roll left and overturned onto its left side. The main rotor blades struck the ground and were damaged. The helicopter sustained damage to its left and forward cabin, fuselage, and fuel tank. All three main rotor blades were destroyed, and the main rotor head was damaged. The tail boom and tail rotor remained intact. The pilot and passenger were not injured. ## Investigation findings The investigation was conducted by the Institute for Professional Investigation of Causes of Aviation Accidents (ÚZPLN). The final report was issued on 5 September 2011. The report noted that the left rudder pedal was found broken off in the cockpit, and no other control system faults were identified during the examination. The report stated that its findings were for informational purposes only and could not be used to establish fault or liability.