Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain the proper descent rate during autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident were the inflight vibrations and loss of torque pedal response for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
About 15 minutes into a cross-country flight, the pilot heard a "pop" that sounded "like metal breaking." He felt a violent vibration and loss of torque pedal response. The pilot reported that there was no change in rpm, and he performed a precautionary autorotation and landing due to the vibration. During the landing, the helicopter impacted the ground hard and the main rotor blades contacted the tailboom.
On-scene and subsequent laboratory examination revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the pop and subsequent vibration could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA181 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 5, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Staples, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 269C
- N-number
- N1099N
- 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.