NTSB Factual Report

On July 8, 2010, approximately 2050 central daylight time, a Schweizer 269C, N410JM, was substantially damaged upon impact with terrain during a precautionary landing near Minden, Nebraska. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight departed Pioneer Village Field (0V3), Minden, Nebraska, at approximately 2000.

According to a written statement provided by the pilot, the helicopter was approximately four miles from 0V3, at an altitude of 2,550 feet mean sea level, when the helicopter began producing vibrations. The pilot described the vibrations as "heavy" and at a "slow frequency." A scan of the engine instruments did not reveal any abnormalities with the helicopter, although the gages were difficult to read due to the heavy vibrations. The pilot chose to perform a precautionary autorotation to a field. Prior to touchdown, the pilot increased his flare in order to reduce ground-run. The helicopter made a hard impact with the ground and rolled before coming to rest on the helicopter's left side.

An inspector from the local Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the helicopter and engine. The inspector did not find any signature of pre-impact failure or malfunction of any component.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate flare during an autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rollover.