Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare with a high descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
After a local flight, the helicopter landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The postaccident examination of the helicopter did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the pilot did not maintain awareness of the helicopter's descent rate and airspeed during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA218 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 29, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Burke Lakefront (KBKL)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer 269C-1
- N-number
- N2065P
- 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.