Schweizer 269C N262LH

Summary

On 14 March 2025 at about 11:08 local time, a Schweizer 269C registered N262LH, operated by NEO Helicopter Academy LLC, was involved in an accident near Mogadore, Ohio, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 March 2025 at 11:08

Classification

Accident

Location

Mogadore, Ohio, United States

Coordinates

41.0607, -81.3754

Aircraft

Schweizer 269C

Registration

N262LH

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2009

Engines

1

Operator

NEO Helicopter Academy LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Wadsworth Muni → Ravenna

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night

NTSB number

ERA25LA144

1 person died.

The pilot’s decision to fly at low altitude, at night, and over water, which resulted in the helicopter’s collision with power lines.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter was on a cross-country flight and descended as the helicopter approached a reservoir, flying low over the water, but maintaining course. Night lighting conditions existed at the time, and witnesses near the scene reported it was very dark. The helicopter was flying at an estimated height of about 20 to 50 feet above the water when it impacted the top static wire of a set of power lines that ran perpendicular to the flight path. The helicopter then impacted the water about 200 ft from the shoreline. All major components of the helicopter were located at the accident site and postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact malfunction or failure of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Multiple wire striation marks were present on the rotor blades and blade grips. The pilot’s decision to fly at such a low altitude, over a wide body of water, and in dark conditions placed him at an increased risk of collision with unseen objects, such as wires.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.