Primary finding
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction onboard the helicopter were returning to the airport following air work in the training area. At 4,000 ft mean sea level (msl), the instructor initiated a simulated engine failure, and the pilot receiving instruction entered an autorotation. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost total power and the flight instructor assumed control of the helicopter and landed on desert terrain, after which the helicopter slid forward between 20 and 40 ft. Examination of the helicopter revealed damage that was consistent with the helicopter rocking forward, then aft, and the tail striking the ground. The flight controls were continuous from the cockpit, and sufficient fuel was onboard. A visual examination and subsequent test run of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 23, 2020, at 0935 Pacific daylight time, a Schweizer 269C, N202CC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Las Vegas, Nevada. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction were not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. According to the flight instructor, they were returning to the airport following air work in the training area. At 4,000 ft mean sea level (msl), the instructor initiated a simulated engine failure, and the pilot receiving instruction entered an autorotation. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost total power and the flight instructor assumed control of the helicopter and landed on desert terrain, after which the helicopter slid forward between 20 and 40 ft. They egressed the helicopter and noted that the tailboom had separated. Examination of the helicopter revealed that the damage was consistent with the helicopter rocking forward, then aft, and the tail striking the ground. The flight controls were continuous from the cockpit and there was sufficient fuel onboard. A visual examination and subsequent test run of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.