# NTSB NYC07CA184: Schweizer 269C, N171TA, Ormond Beach, FL, July 23, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: July 23, 2007, 12:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Ormond Beach, FL
- Coordinates: 29.300556, -81.113609
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.3006&lon=-81.1136&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 31, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66358
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC07CA184
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66358/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07CA184

## Probable cause

The certified flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

The certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were practicing an engine failure, with a 180-degree turn.  According to the CFI, the student pilot attempted to "stretch," to reach a field to the helicopter's left, even though a more obtainable field was located to the helicopter's right.  The CFI called for a go-around at 150 feet above the ground; however, when the student pilot rolled on the throttle and pulled up on the collective, the rpm began to drop quickly, and the helicopter continued to descend.  The CFI took the controls; however, the helicopter struck pine trees, and descended to the ground.  Examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

## Factual narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were practicing an engine failure, with a 180-degree turn, in a Schweizer 269C helicopter.  According to the CFI, the student pilot attempted to "stretch," to reach a field to the helicopter's left, even though a more obtainable field was located to the helicopter's right.  The CFI called for a go-around at 150 feet above the ground; however, when the student pilot rolled on the throttle and pulled up on the collective, the rpm began to drop quickly, and the helicopter continued to descend.  The CFI took the controls; however, the helicopter struck pine trees, and descended to the ground.  Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions; nor did the CFI report any.  The CFI reported 340 hours of total flight experience, which included 238 hours accumulated in helicopters.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N171TA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N171TA-2017-07-14), registration cancelled 2017-07-14, S/N 0161, built 2003 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schweizer 269C
- 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: 0161
- Airframe hours: 1933
- Engines: Lycoming HIO-360 180 hp reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Tomlinson Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 1, 2007
- Departed: OMN, Ormond Beach, FL
- Airport: OMN, Ormond Beach

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Flight instructor; age 24; injuries: minor; flight instructor, commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review May 1, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 340 total, 238 in this make and model, 251 as pilot in command, 130 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours
- Student pilot; age 19; injuries: minor; student; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: right; flight hours: 20 total, 20 in this make and model, 20 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 12 knots, gusting 16
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 9,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.06 inHg
- Observed at: OMN, 5 nm away

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.

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