Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to arrest the helicopter descent during the simulated engine out maneuver resulting in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot stated that he was performing his first solo autorotation to a full landing. He began the maneuver at approximately 1000 feet, and near the ground he noticed that he had a higher than normal rate of descent. He flared late and the helicopter “settled fast”. As the helicopter touched down, the tail struck the ground resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive shaft, and tail rotor assembly. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA075 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 20, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lebanon, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Keller Brothers Airport (08N)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer 269C-1
- N-number
- N321ET
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.