Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during hover, resulting in a rollover.
NTSB analysis
The rotorcraft pilot stated that the purpose of his flight was to practice flight maneuvers. He said that he was at a 3-foot hover when the right rear skid made contact with the ground. The helicopter suddenly rolled onto its right side and sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor gearbox. The pilot did not report any mechanical or flight control anomalies. Winds about the time of the accident were from 250 degrees at 5 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA349 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 13, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Titusville, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Space Coast Regional Airport (TIX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer 269C-1
- N-number
- N1565B
- 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.