Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance resulting in a collision with a fence.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On September 4, 1998, at 1615 eastern standard time, a Schweizer 269C, N75068, sustained substantial damage on impact with a metal fence post during a takeoff from a residential back yard, near Decker, Indiana. The pilot told investigators that he was air taxiing in a hover, backing out of the landing site, when the tail rotor came in contact with a metal fence post. He reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file for the local flight which was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot reported this accident. He said that he was departing from a private residence. He said, "I was departing my mother's place and backed the helicopter tail rotor into a steel fence post." He reported no other mechanical or control difficulties with the helicopter.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI98LA332