Schweizer 269C accident near Baltimore, MD
On November 4, 1998, a Schweizer 269C (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Baltimore, MD. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- November 4, 1998
- Place
- Baltimore, MD
- Aircraft
- Schweizer 269C · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 1 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 39.280°N, 76.650°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001211X11437
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On November 4, 1998, at 1428 Eastern Standard Time, a Schweizer 269C, N2100B, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during a forced landing in Baltimore, Maryland. The certificated commercial pilot/police officer was fatally injured and the aerial observer received serious injuries. The helicopter, owned by U.S. Leaseco Inc., maintained by Helicopter Transport Services, Inc., and operated by the Baltimore Police Department Helicopter Unit, was on an aerial observation flight at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the public use flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to records, the helicopter was flown that morning for 2 1/2 hours. No discrepancies were recorded for that flight. The observer reported the flight departed Martin State Airport about 1310. About 1420, a police ground unit requested assistance from the helicopter flight crew. According to the aerial observer, the assist consisted of not flying below 500 feet mean sea level, and maintaining an airspeed of about 30 to 40 mph, while watching a vehicle. When released from their assignment, the pilot added power, climbed and turned left. At the same time the helicopter started shaking left and right very hard, and the aerial observer reported that he observed smoke in front of the helicopter. The pilot did not say anything. The helicopter was directly over an alley or small street. The pilot initiated an autorotation. The helicopter continued to turn to the south, toward a row of houses. The pilot turned right to clear the
Probable cause
inadequate assembly instructions from the engine manufacturer which resulted in improper engine assembly, and subsequent power loss over unsuitable terrain, with insufficient altitude for a successful autorotation.
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Browse: Maryland · Schweizer aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
