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NTSB Report

July 6, 2012 · Schweizer 269C · N565LH

Denton, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Denton, TX
Aircraft
Schweizer 269C
Tail Number
N565LH
Operator
Longhorn Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA431

The flight instructor and student pilot were practicing takeoffs and landings to confined areas. The student pilot performed a maximum performance takeoff from a confined area to an altitude of about 10 feet above the trees. During the transition to forward flight, the low rotor rpm horn sounded and the helicopter began to settle toward the trees. The instructor applied full throttle and forward cyclic. The helicopter continued to settle and the rotor rpm continued to decay. The instructor leveled the helicopter, applied full collective, and the main rotor blades contacted trees. The helicopter settled into the trees and came to rest nose down. The instructor recommended that the student limit maximum performance takeoffs to large confined areas when operating above 3,000 feet density altitude. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident and a calculated density altitude of 3,500 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor and student pilot exceeded the helicopter's takeoff performance, which resulted in low rotor rpm and settling.

Full Narrative

The instructor and student were practicing takeoffs and landings to confined areas. The student pilot performed a maximum performance takeoff from a confined area to an altitude of approximately 10 feet above the trees. During the transition to forward flight, the low rotor RPM horn sounded and the helicopter began to settle towards the trees. The instructor applied full throttle and forward cyclic. The helicopter continued to settle and the rotor RPM continued to decay. The instructor leveled the helicopter, applied full collective, and the main rotor blades contacted trees. The helicopter settled into the trees and came to rest nose down. The instructor recommended that he limit maximum performance takeoffs to large confined areas when operating above 3,000 feet density altitude. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident, and a calculated density altitude of 3,500 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:22 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer 269C
Tail NumberN565LH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLonghorn Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-D1A · Reciprocating · 190
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 30 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220°
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data