Schweizer 300C N220MS

Summary

On 9 May 1994 at about 12:45 local time, a Schweizer 300C registered N220MS was involved in an accident near Randleman, North Carolina, 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

9 May 1994 at 12:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Randleman, North Carolina, United States

Coordinates

35.8171, -79.8041

Aircraft

Schweizer 300C

Registration

N220MS

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL94LA095

1 person was seriously injured.

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY PREFLIGHT THE HELICOPTER WHICH RESULTED IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. A FACTOR WAS WATER IN THE FUEL SUPPLY.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

THE PILOT'S PREFLIGHT INSPECTION INCLUDED SUMPING THE FUEL SYSTEM FOR CONTAMINATES. DURING THIS PHASE OF THE PREFLIGHT, THE PILOT ROUTINELY DRAINED FUEL FROM THE SYSTEM WITHOUT COLLECTING THE SAMPLES IN A CONTAINER. AFTER TAKEOFF, AND A FEW MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT, ENGINE RPM DROPPED FOLLOWED BY A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE PILOT LOWERED THE COLLECTIVE AND SELECTED AN AREA FOR A FORCED LANDING; DURING THE FORCED LANDING ATTEMPT THE HELICOPTER HIT THE GROUND HARD AND ROLLED OVER. DURING THE POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER TWO GALLONS OF WATER WERE RECOVERED FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.