On June 21, 2010, at 1400 eastern daylight time, a Schweizer 269C-1 helicopter, N247FG, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a loss of engine power in Asheville, North Carolina. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight which originated at the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). The photo flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
The purpose of the flight was for the passenger to film footage for a U.S. Forest Service documentary, specifically capturing the local “kudzu,” an invasive plant species.
According to the pilot, they departed AVL around 1045 and flew in the local area, filming, until they needed to refuel. The pilot then landed at Foothills Regional Airport (MRN), Morganton, North Carolina. The helicopter was fueled with 19 gallons of fuel, filling the fuel tanks to 25 gallons of total fuel. The pilot then departed MRN and flew back toward AVL. After about 20 minutes, the passenger spotted an area of “kudzu” he wanted to film. The pilot performed a 360-degree turn and approached the area “straight and level between 30-40 knots to maintain translational lift.” As the helicopter was abeam the “kudzu” the pilot heard a pitch change in the engine and noted that the engine/rotor rpm was “in the bottom of the green,” and dropping lower. The helicopter was also descending into the trees. The pilot lowered the collective slightly and increased the throttle “to get the rpm back,” however the helicopter continued to descend. The engine continued to run, but it was “bogging down.” Shortly after, the helicopter impacted the “kudzu,” and rolled to the left.
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed the main rotor blades sustained substantial damage. The helicopter and engine were removed from the accident site and transported to a secure facility for further examination.
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate and a flight instructor certificate with ratings for rotorcraft-helicopter and instrument helicopter. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on November 19, 2007. At that time he reported 200 hours of total flight experience.
The weather reported at AVL, at 1354, included wind from 190 degrees at 5 knots, 10 miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 29 degrees C, dew point 17 degrees C and altimeter setting 30.19 inches mercury.