Menu

U-FITAQP: 11) LOTOT

Schweitzer 269C-1 | N61486

West Carthage, New York

  • DTSB analysis published
Share a tip about this accident

Key facts

  • DateJuly 27, 2024
  • Local time12:40 PM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherVMC
  • Phase of flightTakeoff
  • People on board1
  • Fatalities1
  • NTSB numberERA24FA326
  • NTSB statusUnder investigation

Last updated: October 31, 2024

Accident Location

City, State
West Carthage, New York
Latitude
43.967133
Longitude
-75.62105
View On Google EarthView On SkyVector

Aircraft Info

N Number
N61486
Make
Schweitzer
Model
269C-1
Category / Class
Helicopter
Amateur Built
No
Registry
FAA Registry Inquiry For: N61486 →

Pilot Info

Pilot in command
Johnson, Gary
Gender
Male
Age
65
Total hours
400
Certification
Private Pilot
IFR rating
No
Medical
None
Flight school
No
Instructional flight
No

Analysis

Weather
VMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Takeoff
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
1
PIC fatality
1
Total fatalities
1
NTSB number
ERA24FA326
NTSB travel
Unknown
AQP category
11) LOTOT →

Probable Cause

THE 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 yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE 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.

Resources