Pilot Debrief

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELI CO 369FF near Las Vegas, NV — 2012-09-24

Final reportWPR12TA436
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Date
2012-09-24
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Airport
VGT
Aircraft
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELI CO 369FF
Registration
N911BL
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while performing a 270-degree practice autorotation with a gusting tailwind at a high-density altitude.

NTSB narrative

The pilot-in-command (PIC), who was giving instruction, was demonstrating a 270-degree autorotation in a gusting west wind at a density altitude of about 5,100 feet. The PIC began the autorotation heading south and turned left; the helicopter experienced a tailwind during the turn. The PIC reported that, because of the tailwind, soon after commencing the autorotation, he increased his bank angle to maintain his ground reference to the intended touchdown point. The pilot receiving instruction stated that, moments later, the helicopter was in a high descent rate, and its airspeed was decreasing. The helicopter impacted terrain in a tail-low attitude. Subsequently, the tailboom separated from the fuselage, the helicopter rolled onto its right side, and the right landing skid folded under the fuselage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different approach to autorotation to avoid tailwind effects.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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