# Accident 20120211002499A: Schweizer 269C, Las Vegas, NV, February 11, 2012

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: February 11, 2012, 12:00 local time
- Place: Las Vegas, NV
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Phase of flight: Hover/Holding
- Operating rules: General operating rules (Part 91)
- Location: 36.2958° N, 115.3383° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2958&lon=-115.3383&mi=10
- Aircraft: N20536, registered now (https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N20536) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Schweizer 269C (registry code 8059502, https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-269c) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Lycoming HIO-360 series (registry code 41524, https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER 269C
- Reported engine: LYCOMING HIO-360 SER
- People aboard: 2
- Fatal injuries: 0
- Other injuries: 2
- Pilot certificates: Commercial pilot, flight instructor
- Pilot flight hours: 238 total, 42 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB WPR12CA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA100) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120211002499A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS DEMONSTRATING A HOVERING TURN AROUND A POINT, DESCRIBED AS BEING A CAR TIRE. AS THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED A DOWNWIND CONDITION THE PILOT LOST CONTROL AND THE TAILROTOR MADE CONTACT WITH THE SURFACE CAUSING IT TO SEPERATE FROM THE TAILBOOM. THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED OUT OF CONTROL AND SPINNING UNTIL STRIKING THE SURFACE AGAIN AND ROLLING INVERTED.

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB WPR12CA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA100), Feb 11, 2012: Schweizer 269C (N20536), Las Vegas, NV, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the known wind conditions during a hovering maneuver, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and directional control.

## Other reports on N20536 (1)

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

- [Incident 20060917019349I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060917019349I), Sep 17, 2006: Hughes 269C (N20536), Auburn, WA. (-23) 09/17/2006, Ground handling bar fell through a roof onto a deck. Ground handling bar came out of mounting bracket. Pilot stated he did check this before…

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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