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NTSB Report
February 1, 2015 · Schweizer 269C 1 · N20059
Carthage, NY
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 1, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Carthage, NY
Aircraft
Schweizer 269C 1 (1997)
Tail Number
N20059
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA15CA127
The non-helicopter-rated pilot reported that while performing a bank, at low level, above a frozen river, he lost sight of the horizon and the helicopter impacted the frozen river. The helicopter came to rest on its left side, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor, tailboom, and cockpit structure. The non-helicopter-rated pilot further reported to a representative of the Federal Aviation Administration and Sheriff's Deputies that the helicopter was functioning "normally" at the time of impact and that "somehow I must have lost sight of the horizon in all the snow and ice." No preimpact malfunctions or abnormalities were noted with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The non-helicopter-rated pilot's improper decision to operate the helicopter at low-level and his inability to adequately see the horizon over snow and ice, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
Full Narrative
The non helicopter-rated pilot reported that while performing a bank, at low level, above a frozen river, he lost sight of the horizon and the helicopter impacted the frozen river. The helicopter came to rest on its left side, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor, tailboom, and cockpit structure. The non helicopter-rated pilot further reported to a representative of the Federal Aviation Administration and Sheriff's Deputies that the helicopter was functioning "normally" at the time of impact and that "somehow I must have lost sight of the horizon in all the snow and ice." No preimpact malfunctions or abnormalities were noted with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:16 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchweizer 269C 1
Tail NumberN20059
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HO-360-C1A · Reciprocating
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / -11 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time19:58
Weather SourceWFAC