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August 18, 2010 · Schweizer 269C-1 · N1542D

Titusville, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 18, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Titusville, FL
Aircraft
Schweizer 269C-1
Tail Number
N1542D
Operator
Bristow Academy
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10CA432

The flight instructor reported that during the helicopter instructional flight, hovering, straight-ahead, and 180-degree-turn autorotations were performed. The flight instructor's remedial actions typically included adjustment of pitch attitude to maintain the target airspeed, or collective adjustment to keep the rotor rpm in the normal operating range. During an autorotation with turn initiated by the student, the flight instructor took control of the helicopter but allowed the rotor rpm to decay below the lower limit. He adjusted collective and throttle, and initiated a decelerative flare to build rotor rpm, but the rotor rpm continued its decay. The flight instructor was unable to arrest the helicopter's descent, and the helicopter impacted the ground on the back of the skids, pitched forward and rolled over, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom, and both the main and tail rotor systems. No preexisting mechanical anomalies were noted with the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Prop/rotor parameters-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that during the helicopter instructional flight, hovering, straight-ahead, and 180-degree-turn autorotations were performed. The flight instructor's remedial actions typically included adjustment of pitch attitude to maintain the target airspeed, or collective adjustment to keep the rotor rpm in the normal operating range. During an autorotation with turn initiated by the student, the flight instructor took control of the helicopter but allowed the rotor rpm to decay below the lower limit. He adjusted collective and throttle, and initiated a decelerative flare to build rotor rpm, but the rotor rpm continued its decay. The flight instructor was unable to arrest the helicopter's descent, and the helicopter impacted the ground on the back of the skids, pitched forward and rolled over, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom, and both the main and tail rotor systems. No preexisting mechanical anomalies were noted with the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 EDT
Nearest AirportSpace Coast Regional Airport (5nm)
Runway18
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer 269C-1
Tail NumberN1542D
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBristow Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 205
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 30 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3000 ft
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data