Schweizer 269C Safety Record

Inadequate maintenance of the helicopter’s magnetos, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to a failure of the left magneto and malfunction of the right magneto.

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain while attempting a transition from hovering flight to forward flight over a mesa in windy, downdraft conditions.

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.

A loss of engine power due to the improper installation of the right magneto by maintenance personnel resulting in subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate 100-Hour inspection by the mechanic when he failed to note that improper hardware were installed at both magnetos, and his failure to detect fracture of the clamping flange of the right magneto.

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor speed during the intentional autorotation, and his subsequent inability to reduce the descent rate prior to impact. A contributing factor was the intentional autorotation initiated by the pilot.

The student pilot's inadvertent application of the fuel shut off valve during flight. Contributing to the accident were the locations of the heater and fuel shutoff controls.

the flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during the attempted autorotation after the loss of engine power for reasons undetermined. Contributing factors include the flight instructor's improper preflight planning, the high density altitude, and the attempted autorotation.

A fatigue fracture of the main transmission drive pinion. Also causal was the manufacturer's failure to remove the affected pinions from service during the period that transpired between the initial failures and the accident flight.

The flight instructor's delayed remedial action to correct the low rotor condition. A factor was the student pilot's improper use of the collective, which created the low rotor condition.

A total loss of engine power which was a result of incomplete and improper engine overhaul by company maintenance personnel. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable forced landing area terrain.

the flight instructor's poor in-flight decision to continue flight into a reduced visibility area, his failure to execute a 180-degree turn in a timely manner, and his failure to maintain clearance from the terrain.

A POWER LOSS OF UNDETERMINED ORIGIN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE NIGHT CONDITIONS, THE LACK OF A SUITABLE LANDING AREA, AND THE INABILITY OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM WHILE MANEUVERING TO AVOID OBSTACLES.