Schweitzer 269C-1 | N61486
July 27th, 2024 | West Carthage, New York
Accident Location
- City: West Carthage
- State: New York
- Latitude: 43.967133
- Longitude: -75.62105
- Airport ID:
Aircraft Info
- N Number: N61486
- Make: Schweitzer
- Model: 269C-1
- Aircraft Category: Helicopter
- Amateur Built: No
Pilot Info
- PIC Name: Johnson, Gary
- Gender: Male
- Pilot Age: 65
- Pilot Hours: 400
- Flight School: No
- Instructional Flight: No
- Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
- IFR Rating: No
- Pilot Error: Yes
- Pilot Medical: None
- Pilot Incapacitation: No
Analysis
- Date: July 27th, 2024
- Time: 12:40 PM Local Time
- Day / Night: Day
- VMC / IMC: VMC
- Phase Of Flight: Takeoff
- Total People Onboard: 1
- PIC Fatality: 1
- PAX Fatalities: 0
- Ground Fatalities: 0
- Total Fatalities: 1
- NTSB No: ERA24FA326
- NTSB Travel: Unknown
- AQP Classification: 11) LOTOT, U-FIT
Probable Cause
DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot placed his helicopter in such a position that a Loss of Thrust on Takeoff did not allow ample speed and energy for a safe auto rotation. The engine was heard to have lost power and the witness observed the fall from around 50-100 feet AGL. The pilot held no medical and no helicopter certification of any kind.
NTSB: NONE
Recommendation
DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all rotor craft operate in such a manner whereupon an engine problem can always allow a safe auto rotate to an open area.
NTSB: NONE
DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.