Schweizer 269C-1 N2027T accident near Alvord, Texas

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for a reason that could not be determined.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that all pre-flight and pre-takeoff checks were satisfactory with no deficiencies noted. He proceeded to take off and when he was about ½ mile away from his departure point, at 200 ft above the ground, the helicopter’s engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot entered an autorotation and during the forced landing to a pasture, the skid caught the uneven ground and snapped. The helicopter rolled forward and came to rest inverted. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor, fuselage, and tailboom.

A postaccident examination of the fuel system revealed fuel in the fuel tank and no evidence of fuel blockage or fuel leak. The engine was run on the airframe with the existing fuel system and fuel present in the fuel tank. The engine started and ran for several minutes. No mechanical anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal operations of the engine.

Investigators were unable to determine the reason for the loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA107 for the full record.