# NTSB CEN16LA084: Schweizer 269C, N292B, Warrenton, MO, December 22, 2015 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 21, 2015, 21:30 local (Dec 22, 2015, 03:30 UTC) - Place: Warrenton, MO - Coordinates: 38.714721, -91.173614 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7147&lon=-91.1736&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: VFR encounter with IMC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report September 6, 2017 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 92572 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN16LA084 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/92572/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92572 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA084 ## Probable cause The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions at night, which resulted in the loss of visual reference to the ground and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer 269C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=8059502), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer 269C, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=8059502), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Ceiling/visibility/precip: fog](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer 269C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055/cases.md?model=8059502), [All aircraft, 78 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: VFR encounter with IMC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401) (defining event); cases with it: [Schweizer 269C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/sequence.md?model=8059502), [All aircraft, 392 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/sequence.md) ## Analysis The noninstrument-rated private pilot reported that he checked the local weather before he departed in his single-engine helicopter. He said that the weather was good (6 miles visibility and clear skies). Upon the night departure, there was a slight haze about 100 ft above ground level (agl), and he climbed the helicopter to his planned en route altitude of 2,000 ft agl. The first 15 minutes of the flight were uneventful. However, as the pilot approached a river basin area, he started to lose visual reference to the ground, but he thought it was just a small area of fog and that he could fly out of it. He tried to descend but could not see the ground through the fog/low clouds and initiated a climb. The helicopter's altitude ranged from about 1,200 to 2,000 ft agl. The pilot decided to turn around, and while making a slow right turn, the helicopter struck a tree. The pilot tried to initiate a climb, but the helicopter struck another tree. The pilot lowered the collective, and the helicopter descended through the trees to the ground. The nearest automated weather facility was located about 11 miles southwest of the accident site at an elevation about 200 to 250 ft lower than the accident site. The METAR observation about the time of the accident reported reduced visibility (5 statute miles with mist), a 1° dew point depression, and a cloud ceiling of 1,000 ft agl (which would have been about 750 ft above the accident site elevation). Given the reported weather information and the pilot's statements about the weather conditions, it is likely that the airplane entered instrument meteorological conditions near the accident area at night, which led to the pilot's loss of visual reference to the ground and the subsequent impact with trees and terrain. ## Factual narrative On December 21, 2015, about 2130 central standard time, a Schweizer 269C helicopter, N292B, registered to the pilot, was destroyed after it impacted terrain after encountering fog while maneuvering near Warrenton, Missouri. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was being conducted under the provisions of Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91. Dark night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed in the accident and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from Moscow Mills, Missouri, about 2100 and was enroute to the pilot's private home helipad in Waynesville, Missouri. The pilot reported that he checked the weather before he departed Moscow Mills and said that the weather was good (6 miles visibility and clear skies). He said that there was a slight haze upon departure, about 100 feet AGL, and climbed to his planned enroute altitude of 2,000 AGL. The first 15 minutes of the flight were uneventful until he approached the Missouri River area. He stated that he started to lose visual reference to the ground, but thought it was just a small area of fog and that he would fly out of it soon. He tried to descend but did not see the ground through the fog/low clouds and initiated a climb. He stated that his altitude ranged from about 1,200 to 2,000 feet AGL. He then decided that he should turn around and exit the way he came in. He started a slow right turn and after established in the turn, the helicopter struck a tree. The pilot tried to initiate a climb and the helicopter struck another tree. The pilot lowered the collective and the helicopter descended through the trees to the ground. Figure 1. Overhead View of Accident Area and Location of Weather Reporting Facility The automated weather facility at Washington Municipal Airport (FYG) was located about 11 miles southwest of the accident site, at an elevation about 200-250 feet lower than the accident site. The FYG METAR observation at 2135 showed reduced visibility (5 statute miles with mist), a 1-degree dew point depression, and a cloud ceiling of 1,000 feet AGL (which would reference about 750 feet above the accident site elevation). The pilot reported in a statement that he received an adequate weather briefing prior to departure. It is unknown where the pilot obtained his weather briefing and the helicopter did not have on-board weather monitoring equipment installed. With the weather information that the pilot reported, and the automated weather reported from the FYG reporting station, VMC conditions prevailed at the departure location when the pilot initiated the flight, however, IMC conditions were encountered near the accident area. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N292B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N292B), registered now, S/N S1385, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER 269C (UNDESIGNAT) - Registry model: [Schweizer 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-269c) (registry code 8059502) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: S1385 - Year built: 1989 - Engines: Lycoming HIO-360 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 16, 2015, 6,787 hours before - Departed: M71, Moscow Mills, MO - Destination: Waynesville, MO - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 66; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 300 total, 200 in this make and model, 100 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark - Wind: 290° at 7 knots - Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft overcast - Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 39 °F - Altimeter: 29.88 inHg - Observed at: FYG ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20151221020709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20151221020709A), Dec 21, 2015: Schweizer 269C, Warrenton, MO, Destroyed. Pilot of N292B departed helisat flight training pad at approximately 21:15 CST on 12-21-15 for a night cross-country flight to a privately owned helipad close… ## Other investigations on N292B (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 DFW07CA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07CA146), Jun 28, 2007: Schweizer 269C (N292B), Slidell, LA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's encounter with settling with power condition while hovering out of ground effect. A contributing factor was the prevailing tailwind. ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 19, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92572. 2.1 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 722 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40454344&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Pilot Statement (item 2, .PDF, 442 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40454345&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Statement-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector Statement (item 3, .PDF, 80 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40454346&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statement-Master.PDF - Overhead Image of Departure Point o Accident Site o Weather Repoting Facility o Destination (item 4, .PDF, 482 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40454347&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Overhead%20Image%20of%20Departure%20Point%20o%20Accident%20Site%20o%20Weather%20Repoting%20Facility%20o%20Destination-Master.PDF - Figure 1 Overhead View of Accident Area and Location of Weather Reporting Facility (item 5, .PDF, 178 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40454348&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Figure%201%20Overhead%20View%20of%20Accident%20Area%20and%20Location%20of%20Weather%20Reporting%20Facility-Master.PDF - Photo - Close-up of Helicopter Wreckage (item 6, .PDF, 1 photo, 179 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40454349&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20-%20Close-up%20of%20Helicopter%20Wreckage-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.