Schweizer 269C crash near Fredericton, Canada

A privately operated Schweizer 269C (300C) helicopter (C-GFLS, manufactured 1992) was conducting a cross-country flight from a private residence in Urbainville, Prince Edward Island, to Fredericton International Airport, New Brunswick, for routine maintenance with only the pilot on board. While cruising at 1,000 feet AGL approximately 50nm east of Fredericton, the pilot felt a vibration and heard a noise followed by a tail rotor failure. The pilot attempted an emergency landing in a small clearing but lost control of the aircraft. The helicopter impacted terrain and rolled over, coming to rest partially inverted. The pilot egressed with minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged.