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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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November 4, 2015 · Schweizer 269C 1 · N21496

Mount Pocono, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 4, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mount Pocono, PA
Aircraft
Schweizer 269C 1 (2009)
Tail Number
N21496
Operator
Hi Tech Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA045

The solo student helicopter pilot reported that during flight in the traffic pattern, her noise canceling headset malfunctioned, and she landed on the grass adjacent to the runway to troubleshoot the issue. After landing, she "locked the collective down" and "put some tension on the cyclic." Subsequently, the headset began to function, so she removed the friction on the the collective and applied power for hover flight, forgetting there was still tension applied to the cyclic. When power was applied, the student pilot reported that she did not have enough cyclic control and the helicopter hovered backwards and the tail rotor struck the ground. The tail rotor drive shaft was substantially damaged. The student pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to remove the tension applied to the cyclic before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and the tail rotor striking the ground.

Full Narrative

The solo student helicopter pilot reported that during flight in the traffic pattern, her noise canceling headset malfunctioned, and she landed on the grass adjacent to the runway to troubleshoot the issue. After landing, she "locked the collective down" and "put some tension on the cyclic." Subsequently, the headset began to function, so she removed the friction on the the collective and applied power for hover flight, forgetting there was still tension applied to the cyclic. When power was applied, the student pilot reported that she did not have enough cyclic control and the helicopter hovered backwards and the tail rotor struck the ground. The tail rotor drive shaft was substantially damaged. The student pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EST
Nearest AirportPocono Mountains Muni (0nm NE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer 269C 1
Tail NumberN21496
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHi Tech Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-G1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.31 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data