# NTSB LAX04CA233: Schweizer 269C-1, N9421K, Brentwood, CA, June 5, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 5, 2004, 16:00 local (23:00 UTC) - Place: Brentwood, CA - Coordinates: 37.891666, -121.757225 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.8917&lon=-121.7572&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 1, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 59404 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX04CA233 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/59404/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04CA233 ## Probable cause the student's improper use of the cyclic control, the flight instructor's inadequate supervision, and his delayed remedial action. A factor in the accident was the CFI's diverted attention. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, hover - in ground effect - low altitude flight/maneuver - attempted, dual student - cyclic - improper use of, dual student (cause) - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - diverted attention, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor) - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, hover - in ground effect - terrain condition - ground - Roll over, hover - in ground effect ## Analysis The helicopter collided with terrain and rolled over while hovering above flat terrain. The student pilot was practicing hover techniques by utilizing the controls individually. While the student was manipulating the cyclic, the certified flight instructor (CFI) noticed that the friction setting on the collective had been engaged. As the CFI was focusing on the friction setting for the collective, the student made a large forward cyclic input. The helicopter responded in an extreme nose down position and the CFI attempted to counteract the student's abrupt maneuver. The helicopter impacted terrain and rolled over the nose, coming to rest on the right side. The CFI reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter. ## Factual narrative On June 5, 2004, about 1600 Pacific daylight time, a Schweizer 269C-1, N9421K, collided with terrain and rolled over near Brentwood, California. Helicopter Adventures, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and the student pilot were not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight departed Buchanan Field Airport, Concord, California, about 1500. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company visual flight rules flight plan had been filed. The wreckage was at 37 degrees 53 minutes north latitude and 121 degrees 45 minutes west longitude. In a written statement, the operator of the helicopter stated that the CFI had planned to take the student pilot to the Silva Ranch practice area, about 15 miles east of Concord. During the en route portion of the flight, the student practiced maneuvering the helicopter in straight and level flight. Upon arriving at the practice area (a large flat valley), the CFI instructed the student on hover techniques by demonstrating the use of control inputs. The student practiced maneuvering the helicopter via the use of a sole control input, starting with pedals, then collective, followed by cyclic. While the student was manipulating the cyclic, the CFI noted that the friction setting on the collective had been engaged, and he attempted to disengage it. As the CFI was focusing his attention on the friction setting for the collective, the student made a large forward cyclic input. The CFI input aft cyclic and increased the collective in an effort to counteract the student's abrupt maneuver and maintain ground separation. The helicopter impacted the ground and rolled over. In a written statement, the CFI reported that, while maneuvering about 3 to 4 feet above ground level, he noticed that the collective was difficult to adjust. He glanced down at the collective and realized that the collective friction had been activated. (According to the Schweitzer Pilot's Operating Handbook, the friction control is activated by adjustment of a lever.) While the CFI attempted to adjust the friction setting, the student made a large forward cyclic input. The helicopter responded in an extreme nose down position and began to move forward. The helicopter impacted terrain and rolled over the nose, coming to rest on the right side. The CFI reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9421K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9421K-2004-08-19), registration cancelled 2004-08-19, S/N 0141, built 2002 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Schweizer 269C-1 - Registry model: [Schweizer 269C-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-269c-1) (registry code 8059504) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming HO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ho-360-series) (registry code 41513, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 0141 - Engines: Lycoming HO-360 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Helicopter Adventures Inc. - Registered owner: North Bay Enterprises Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: CCR, Concord, CA - Destination: Concord, CA - Flight plan: Company VFR - Airport: CCR, Buchanan Field Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 29; injuries: none; flight instructor, commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2; flight hours: 237 total, 179 in this make and model, 64 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days - Student pilot; age 22; injuries: none; flight hours: 17 total, 4 in this make and model, 17 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day ## 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 20040605012419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040605012419A), Jun 5, 2004: Hughes 269C1, Brentwood, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot was giving flight instruction to passenger/student, [privacy data omitted] including hands on of controls in a hover, approximately 3 feet off the… 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.