Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm during a low-altitude maneuvering flight.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during an aerial application flight, the helicopter pilot was flying between 6 and 7 feet above the ground, at an airspeed of 20 knots. While maneuvering, the pilot encountered a low rotor rpm situation and the helicopter started to settle. As soon as the helicopter descended, the landing skid became tangled in the rice plants, and the helicopter came to rest on its side. During the collision with terrain, the tail boom and main rotor separated from the fuselage. An examination of the helicopter and its systems revealed no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA442 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 3, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Katy, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer 269C
- N-number
- N72DC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.