Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369HS near Oxford, CO — 2022-11-23

Final reportCEN23LA048
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Date
2022-11-23
Location
Oxford, CO, USA
Airport
DRO
Aircraft
HUGHES 369HS
Registration
N668M
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The designated pilot examiner’s failure to maintain a proper descent during a practice 180° autorotation which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

During a checkride with an applicant pilot, the designated pilot examiner was demonstrating a 180° autorotation. The applicant pilot reported the descent was too quick, the examiner flared too low, and the helicopter experienced a hard landing. An airport surveillance video showed the helicopter descend at a rapid rate and impact the runway. The helicopter came to rest on its left side and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor system. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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