Probable cause
Loss of engine power during approach for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that the helicopter's engine lost power when they were about 15 feet above the ground while making an approach to land on a pinnacle during an instructional flight. The helicopter hit the ground hard and then rolled down the hill and came to rest on its right side. During the post accident inspection, the engine was removed from the airframe and installed into a dynamometer test stand. The engine started on the first attempt and ran smooth and exhibited no abnormal indications or sounds.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA213 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 22, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer 269C
- N-number
- N17YS
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.