Schweizer 269C-1 N3275M

Summary

On 6 January 2010 at about 23:30 local time, a Schweizer 269C-1 registered N3275M, operated by Aerial Resources LLC, was involved in an accident near Grantsville, Maryland, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 January 2010 at 23:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Grantsville, Maryland, United States

Coordinates

39.6850, -79.1861

Aircraft

Schweizer 269C-1

Registration

N3275M

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Aerial Resources LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Positioning

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Orange → Monogahela

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

IMC

Light

Night

NTSB number

ERA10CA109

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot's loss of aircraft control after encountering turbulence over a mountain range. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain an Airmet for turbulence along the route of flight prior to departure and while enroute.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

While en route to the destination airport, the pilot made a stop to fuel the helicopter and check the weather. According to the pilot, no precipitation was predicted for his route of flight, the winds were expected from the northwest at 15 knots, and a cloud ceiling of 2,500 feet broken was forecasted. He stated that no specific windshear or turbulence was forecasted. The pilot continued the flight and noted that the wind became stronger over the mountains. He decided he would land the helicopter after he passed over the second ridge; however, as he continued, "strong windshear" lifted the helicopter and then "dropped it to the ground." The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter. He also reported approximately 600 hours of total flight experience, all of which were in make and model of the accident helicopter. Examination of recorded weather information revealed AIRMET TANGO for turbulence was in effect for the pilot's route of flight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.