Schweizer 269C Safety Record

the student's improper use of the cyclic control, the flight instructor's inadequate supervision, and his delayed remedial action. A factor in the accident was the CFI's diverted attention.

the failure of maintenance personnel to ensure the proper charge of the aft landing gear dampers in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

A lack of previous lubrication to the tail rotor drive shaft forward fitting teeth, which resulted in their gradual wear, the eventual slippage of the shaft, and the subsequent loss of tailrotor thrust and forced landing.

The loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Weather conditions conducive to the formation of carburetor ice and a roadway were contributing factors.

the pilot not maintaining aircraft control during the aerial taxi. Factors contributing to the accident were the oscillating cyclic, the pilot's diverted attention, and the gusting crosswind.

The improper engine overhaul by other maintenance personnel, which resulted in an exhaust valve failure and a total loss of engine power while in maneuvering flight.

the flight instructor's failure to refuel at an available airport when a low fuel status was identified. Factors were the flight instructor's inadequate preflight flight planning, which included improper fuel consumption calculations, the night light conditions, and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

maintenance personnel's failure to secure the landing skid oleo strut bolt during the last 50-hour inspection, causing the left rear skid to collapse and the tail rotor to strike the ground.

The partial loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the pilot's inadequate landing flare which resulted in a hard landing.

a loss of power for unexplained reasons. Also causal was the CFI's operation of the helicopter in a region of the height/velocity curve where a successful autorotation could not be accomplished. A factor in the accident was the high density altitude.

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision to attempt a hover in atmospheric conditions and over terrain that would require maximum helicopter performance, and which would leave no viable alternate actions in the event of difficulties.

The student's improper execution of a quick-stop maneuver in that he misjudged his altitude and failed to terminate at a stationary hover prior to descending to a low hover. This resulted in an excessive engine power requirement and the student improperly coordinated the use of the collective and anti-torque controls.

The pilot's use of improper procedures by not following the helicopter manufacturer's recommended engine RPM reduction procedures during autorotations. A factor was the pilot not attaining the proper rotor RPM during the autorotation practice.

The inadequate supervision of the student pilot by the flight instructor during the practice autorotation, which resulted in a delayed flare and the tail rotor contacting the ground. A factor was a misinterpreted communication between the flight instructor and student.

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. Factors associated with the accident were the high winds, low altitude at which the pilot was maneuvering and the uneven terrain which the helicopter contacted.