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NTSB Report

December 28, 2013 · Schweizer 269C · N2056J

White Plains, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 28, 2013
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
White Plains, NY
Aircraft
Schweizer 269C (2001)
Tail Number
N2056J
Operator
Wings Air
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA14CA080

The flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a 180-degree autorotation to a student pilot while performing an instructional flight. The CFI reported entering the autorotation when, at about 100 feet agl, the indicated airspeed suddenly dropped to about 40 knots. He pushed the cyclic forward in an attempt to regain airspeed and flared at about 50 feet agl in an attempt to slow down the helicopter's rate of descent. The helicopter landed on the edge of the runway on the back of the skids, bounced back into the air, and began an accelerated yaw to the right. According to the CFI, he lowered the collective and reduced throttle while the helicopter spun four or five times. The helicopter subsequently impacted the ground, and came to rest on its left side. A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the cabin and the tail boom. The CFI reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent loss of control

Full Narrative

The flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a 180-degree autorotation to a student pilot while performing an instructional flight. The CFI reported entering the autorotation when, at about 100 feet agl, the indicated airspeed suddenly dropped to about 40 knots. He pushed the cyclic forward in an attempt to regain airspeed and flared at about 50 feet agl in an attempt to slow down the helicopter's rate of descent. The helicopter landed on the edge of the runway on the back of the skids, bounced back into the air, and began an accelerated yaw to the right. According to the CFI, he lowered the collective and reduced throttle while the helicopter spun four or five times. The helicopter subsequently impacted the ground, and came to rest on its left side. A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the cabin and the tail boom. The CFI reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 EST
Nearest AirportWestchester County (0nm SW)
Runway29
Runway Length4451 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer 269C
Tail NumberN2056J
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWings Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-D1A · Reciprocating · 190
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 20 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 16 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time12:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data