Summary
On July 23, 2007, a Schweizer 269C (N171TA) was involved in an accident near Ormond Beach, FL. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The certified flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.
The certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were practicing an engine failure, with a 180-degree turn, in a Schweizer 269C helicopter. According to the CFI, the student pilot attempted to "stretch," to reach a field to the helicopter's left, even though a more obtainable field was located to the helicopter's right. The CFI called for a go-around at 150 feet above the ground; however, when the student pilot rolled on the throttle and pulled up on the collective, the rpm began to drop quickly, and the helicopter continued to descend. The CFI took the controls; however, the helicopter struck pine trees, and descended to the ground.
This accident is documented in NTSB report NYC07CA184. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N171TA.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The certified flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were practicing an engine failure, with a 180-degree turn, in a Schweizer 269C helicopter. According to the CFI, the student pilot attempted to "stretch," to reach a field to the helicopter's left, even though a more obtainable field was located to the helicopter's right. The CFI called for a go-around at 150 feet above the ground; however, when the student pilot rolled on the throttle and pulled up on the collective, the rpm began to drop quickly, and the helicopter continued to descend. The CFI took the controls; however, the helicopter struck pine trees, and descended to the ground. Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions; nor did the CFI report any. The CFI reported 340 hours of total flight experience, which included 238 hours accumulated in helicopters.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC07CA184