Schweizer 269C N45012

Summary

On 22 November 2004 at about 23:10 local time, a Schweizer 269C registered N45012, operated by Western Operations, Inc., was involved in an accident near Rialto, California, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

22 November 2004 at 23:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Rialto, California, United States

Nearest airport

Rialto Municipal Airport (L67)

Coordinates

34.3333, -117.4000

Aircraft

Schweizer 269C

Registration

N45012

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Western Operations, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Rialto → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX05LA039

Nobody was injured.

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm and altitude/clearance during the takeoff initial climb.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter collided with terrain during a pinnacle departure attempt. After departing, the pilot configured the helicopter into a hover about 3 feet above ground level (agl) and verified that the cockpit gauges were all displaying the appropriate indications. In an attempt to depart the area, he said he "began to trade altitude for airspeed" while maneuvering in a right turn, toward his planned escape route consisting of downsloping terrain. While in the turn, the rotor rpm became low and he manipulated the throttle control for full power, simultaneously lowering the collective. Despite his attempts, the rotor rpm failed to increase and the helicopter continued to descend. In an effort to cushion the impact, he raised the collective just before the skids contacted terrain. The helicopter rolled downhill, coming to rest on its left side. The engine manufacturer performed an engine test run; there were no discrepancies or anomalies that would indicate the engine was not capable of running and producing power prior to the mishap.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.