N1567C

On October 29, 2005, about 1115 eastern standard time, a Schweizer 269C-1, N1567C, registered to and operated by Helicopter Adventures, Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, impacted the ground hard, during a practice autorotation, at Space Coast Regional Airport, Titusville, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot and flight examiner were not injured, and the helicopter incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from Titusville, Florida, the same day, about 1030.

The pilot stated he was receiving his CFI checkride with a DPE. He further stated that having previously completed a practice autorotation to a power recovery, the accident practice autorotation was planned to the ground, and it was uneventful until he executed the flare. He stated that as he flared the helicopter, maintained the flare to get "the sink feeling", then came to a level attitude, and attempted to cushion the set-down, the helicopter "fell right through." He said the helicopter impacted the ground hard, incurring damage, because the sink rate was too great. According to the pilot, prior to the accident, there were no mechanical failures and malfunctions to the helicopter or any of its systems.