Schweizer 269C N54LC

Summary

On 6 June 2006 at about 22:50 local time, a Schweizer 269C registered N54LC was involved in an accident near Schererville, Indiana, United States. 2 people were on board and one 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

6 June 2006 at 22:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Schererville, Indiana, United States

Nearest airport

Griffith-Merrillville (05C)

Coordinates

41.5197, -87.3994

Aircraft

Schweizer 269C

Registration

N54LC

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Public Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Griffith → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI06TA148

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's improper autorotation following an actual loss of engine power during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor associated with the accident was the loss of engine power at the beginning of the practice autorotation for an undetermined reason.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain following a practice autorotation and subsequent loss of engine power. The helicopter was operating as a public-use instructional flight. The pilot stated, in part, "Immediately upon reducing the throttle and lowering the collective, the engine of the helicopter stopped. This was confirmed by the indication of the "split" needles and engine RPM indicating zero RPM. This was further confirmed by the manifold pressure gauge which was rising to atmospheric pressure. This practice autorotation had turned into a real total loss of engine power autorotation to touchdown. ... [After touchdown,] the main rotor blade flex downward and came in contact with the tail boom section causing the tail rotor to separate." Wind in the area was 220 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 19 knots. An examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact anomalies. The engine was operational during a subsequent test run.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.