Summary
On May 22, 2017, a Schweizer 269C (N2032S) was involved in an accident near Eden Prairie, MN. 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 student pilot's loss of lateral control while practicing autorotations from a hover and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a bounced landing and dynamic roll-over.
The flight instructor in the helicopter reported that the student pilot was practicing auto-rotations from a hover, while pointing the helicopter into the wind over tall grass, from about 1 foot above ground. He added that the student, "rolled off the throttle, the helicopter descended to the ground, appeared to bounce, moved slightly to the right and began a quick roll to the right." Subsequently, the helicopter pivoted on it's right skid, the main rotor impacted terrain, and the helicopter rolled over to the right.
The main rotor and windscreen sustained substantial damage.
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA296. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2032S.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot's loss of lateral control while practicing autorotations from a hover and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a bounced landing and dynamic roll-over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The flight instructor in the helicopter reported that the student pilot was practicing auto-rotations from a hover, while pointing the helicopter into the wind over tall grass, from about 1 foot above ground. He added that the student, "rolled off the throttle, the helicopter descended to the ground, appeared to bounce, moved slightly to the right and began a quick roll to the right." Subsequently, the helicopter pivoted on it's right skid, the main rotor impacted terrain, and the helicopter rolled over to the right.
The main rotor and windscreen sustained substantial damage.
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA296