N20536

Substantial
Minor

SCHWEIZER 269CS/N: S1818

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, February 11, 2012
NTSB Number
WPR12CA100
Location
Las Vegas, NV
Event ID
20120211X73938
Coordinates
36.295833, -115.338333
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the known wind conditions during a hovering maneuver, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and directional control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
SCHWEIZER
Serial Number
S1818
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2001
Model / ICAO
269CH269
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
269C

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
JOSLYN LARRY J
Address
9632 CAMDEN HILLS AVE
City
LAS VEGAS
State / Zip Code
NV 89145-8621
Country
United States

Analysis

During an introductory training flight, the instructor attempted to demonstrate a hovering maneuver around a point on the ground. The wind at the time of the accident was estimated by the instructor to be 15 to 20 knots out of the south. During the maneuver when the helicopter was near downwind, the instructor lost control of the helicopter and it started to rotate in an uncontrollable right yaw. The instructor reported that the helicopter continued to spin until hitting the ground and rolling over approximately 300 feet from the initiation of the loss of control. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and main rotor drive system. The reported wind at the time of departure was from 180 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA100