Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a fence while hovering.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was hovering low to the ground, near a fence line, inspecting water and grass on his property. The helicopter drifted during the hover and right skid struck the fence. The helicopter rolled to the right and impacted the terrain, resulting in substantial damage to main rotor blades, main rotor drive system, windshield, and door post.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA240 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 21, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sheffield, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer 269C
- N-number
- N298TH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1998
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
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.