Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while practicing "quick stops and steep approaches," he flared the helicopter too hard and too low, and the tail skid struck the runway, which resulted in a hard landing.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA539 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 3, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Delaware, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Delaware Muni - Jim Moore Fiel (DLZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer 269C
- N-number
- N139JS
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1995
- 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.