Schweizer 269C N61434

Summary

On 15 July 2001 at about 01:15 local time, a Schweizer 269C registered N61434, operated by Northern Flights Helicopter Service, Inc., was involved in an accident near Walker, Minnesota, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

15 July 2001 at 01:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Walker, Minnesota, United States

Coordinates

47.0803, -94.5691

Aircraft

Schweizer 269C

Registration

N61434

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Northern Flights Helicopter Service, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Walker → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI01LA215

3 people had minor injuries.

the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during takeoff. Factors were the vehicles, the unsuitable terrain the pilot encountered, and the low altitude of the helicopter at the time of the loss of engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter sustained substantial damage on impact with vehicles and terrain on takeoff following a reported in-flight loss of engine power. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The pilot stated, "The fact that all was indicating normal, I re-confirmed power settings and we departed via a normal rate of climb takeoff. ... It was quite obvious very quickly the aircraft had momentarily suffered a partial power loss. I was not at sufficient altitude to reduce collective to minimize power applications and as such upon realizing despite instrument indications as stated the a/c was descending rapidly and would impact into a parking lot of vehicles below me." The pilot stated that there was no other suitable terrain to land on. A witness stated, "The pilot then nosed the helicopter over and started moving forward and gaining altitude. At that point I started to turn to the person next to me to say something but my attention was immediately drawn back to the departing helicopter because of a change in the sound from the helicopter." The engine was test run and it produced full rated power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.