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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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December 18, 2002 · Schweizer 269C · N642KC

Los Banos, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 18, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Los Banos, CA
Aircraft
Schweizer 269C
Tail Number
N642KC
Operator
Raven Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03LA052

The pilot and aircraft maintenance technician were performing a post maintenance test flight when a vibration occurred, followed by a total loss of engine power. The commercial certificated helicopter pilot made a forced landing in a muddy field, during which the helicopter received structural damage. Post accident examination revealed a failed exhaust valve in the number 3 cylinder, and that two exhaust spring seats had been installed, one on top of the other, causing excessive spring/valve pressures. The engine had been overhauled about 1.5 service hours prior to the loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

The improper engine overhaul by other maintenance personnel, which resulted in an exhaust valve failure and a total loss of engine power while in maneuvering flight.

Full Narrative

On December 18, 2002, at 1521 Pacific standard time, a Schweizer 269C, N642KC, experienced a total loss of engine power and rolled over during a forced landing in a muddy field at Los Banos, California. The helicopter was operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at Los Banos about 1500. The pilot and aircraft maintenance technician were performing a post maintenance test flight when a vibration occurred followed by a total loss of engine power. Post accident examination revealed a failed exhaust valve in the number 3 cylinder. Further examination revealed two exhaust spring seats had been installed, one on top of the other, causing excessive spring/valve pressures. The operator had just overhauled the engine; the failure occurred about 1.5 hours after the overhaul.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:21 PST
Nearest AirportLOSBANOS (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer 269C
Tail NumberN642KC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRaven Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAvco Lycoming · HIO-360-D1A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 37 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data