Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate flare during an autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rollover.
NTSB analysis
While en route to the destination airport, the pilot began detecting heavy vibrations emanating from the helicopter. He performed a scan of the engine instruments, all of which indicated that it was operating within the normal ranges. Unsure of the malfunction, the pilot elected to perform a cautionary autorotation to a plowed field. During the autorotation, the pilot landed hard and the helicopter subsequently rolled over. During the touchdown sequence the helicopter incurred substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact anomaly.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA408 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 19, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Minden, Nebraska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Schweizer 269C
- N-number
- N410JM
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.