Probable cause
The failure of the engine connecting rod due to fatigue.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was descending the helicopter from about 1,000 feet above ground level (agl) and setting up for a landing at an off-airport location. At 300 to 500 feet agl, the pilot felt a major vibration in the helicopter. He immediately initiated an autorotation and landed the helicopter. During the forced landing, the helicopter rolled over on its right side and sustained substantial damage. Examination of the engine revealed that the No. 3 connecting rod had failed. Material examination of the connecting rod showed the rod failed due to multiple fatigue cracks.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA431 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 23, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gary, South Dakota
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer 269C
- N-number
- N7507A
- 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.