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January 6, 2010 · Schweizer 269C-1 · N3275M

Grantsville, MD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 6, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Grantsville, MD
Aircraft
Schweizer 269C-1
Tail Number
N3275M
Operator
Aerial Resources
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10CA109

While en route to the destination airport, the pilot made a stop to fuel the helicopter and check the weather. According to the pilot, no precipitation was predicted for his route of flight, the winds were expected from the northwest at 15 knots, and a cloud ceiling of 2,500 feet broken was forecasted. He stated that no specific windshear or turbulence was forecasted. The pilot continued the flight and noted that the wind became stronger over the mountains. He decided he would land the helicopter after he passed over the second ridge; however, as he continued, "strong windshear" lifted the helicopter and then "dropped it to the ground." The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter. He also reported approximately 600 hours of total flight experience, all of which were in make and model of the accident helicopter. Examination of recorded weather information revealed AIRMET TANGO for turbulence was in effect for the pilot's route of flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of aircraft control after encountering turbulence over a mountain range. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain an Airmet for turbulence along the route of flight prior to departure and while enroute.

Full Narrative

While enroute to the destination airport, the pilot made a stop to fuel the helicopter and check the weather. According to the pilot, no precipitation was predicted for his route of flight, the winds were expected from the northwest at 15 knots, and a cloud ceiling of 2,500 feet broken was forecast. He stated that no specific windshear or turbulence was forecast. The pilot continued the flight and noted that the wind became stronger over the mountains. He decided he would land the helicopter after he passed over the second ridge; however, as he continued, "strong windshear" lifted the helicopter and then "dropped it to the ground." The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter. He also reported approximately 600 hours of total flight experience, all of which were in make and model of the accident helicopter. Examination of recorded weather information revealed AIRMET TANGO for turbulence was in effect for the pilot's route of flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer 269C-1
Tail NumberN3275M
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAerial Resources
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightNight
Wind270° @ 9 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 14 C
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time23:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data