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NTSB Report
June 26, 2012 · Schweizer Hughes Aircraft TH55A/269A · N488MC
Grinnell, IA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 26, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Grinnell, IA
Aircraft
Schweizer Hughes Aircraft TH55A/269A
Tail Number
N488MC
Operator
Lowry Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA402
The helicopter pilot and his passenger were returning to the airport after a local flight. In preparation to land, the pilot approached a grassy area adjacent to the runway and entered a hover into a 12-knot wind that was gusting to 16 knots. The pilot then made a right-pedal turn downwind. He said that during the turn the wind caught the tail and the helicopter began to spin. The pilot could not stop the turning; the tailrotor struck a fence, and the main rotor blades hit the ground. A review of photographs of the helicopter taken after the accident revealed that the tail rotor blades, main rotor blades, and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind during a hovering maneuver, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and directional control.
Full Narrative
The pilot and his passenger were returning to the airport after a local flight. In preparation to land, the pilot approached a grassy area adjacent to the runway and entered a hover into a 12 knot wind. The wind was also gusting to 16 knots. The pilot then made a right pedal turn downwind. He said that during the turn, the wind caught the tail and the helicopter began to spin. The pilot did not have enough left pedal to stop turning and the tailrotor struck a fence and the main rotor blades hit the ground. A review of photographs taken of the helicopter after the accident revealed the tail rotor blades, main rotor blades, and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:33 CDT
Nearest AirportGRINNELL (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchweizer Hughes Aircraft TH55A/269A
Tail NumberN488MC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLowry Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 12 kt, gusting 16 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0