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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 8, 1994 · Schweizer 269C · N100LU

Hebron, NE

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 8, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Hebron, NE
Aircraft
Schweizer 269C
Tail Number
N100LU
Operator
Michael Weatherl
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA129

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS REPOSITIONING THE HELICOPTER FOR TAKEOFF AFTER REFUELING ON A SOLO CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING FLIGHT. THE HELICOPTER TAIL ROTOR CONTACTED AND BECAME ENTANGLED IN AN AIRPORT WINDSOCK. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE MAIN AND TAIL ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED THE GROUND, THE LEFT SKID COLLAPSED, AND THE HELICOPTER CAME TO REST UPRIGHT.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM OBSTRUCTIONS DURING AERIAL TAXI.

Full Narrative

On April 8, 1994, at 1730 hours central daylight time, a Schweizer 269C, N100LU, operated as a training helicopter by Silver Hawk Aviation of Lincoln, Nebraska, contacted a wind sock with its tail rotor at the Hebron Municipal Airport, Hebron, Nebraska. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The student solo pilot suffered minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident, winds were 20 knots gusting to 30 knots, and no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, had originated from Seward, Nebraska, and was departing Hebron on a return leg of a student solo cross country. The pilot was repositioning the helicopter for departure after refueling. While hovering backwards, the tail rotor became entangled in a windsock adjacent to the ramp, a loss of control occurred, and the main and tail rotor blades contacted the ground. The helicopter came to rest upright with one skid collapsed and the engine was secured by the pilot.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CDT
Nearest AirportHebron Municipal (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer 269C
Tail NumberN100LU
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichael Weatherl
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-E1A · Reciprocating · 190
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 20 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 18 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:56

Appendix: Source Data