Pilot Debrief

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER 369E near Winnsboro, SC — 2009-10-19

Final reportERA10LA023
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Date
2009-10-19
Location
Winnsboro, SC, USA
Airport
FDW
Aircraft
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER 369E
Registration
N502SL
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Hover

Probable cause

The flight instructor's failure to monitor the simulated emergency procedure, resulting in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the intentional throttle application by one of the flightcrew.

NTSB narrative

During an instructional flight while in a three-foot hover, the certified flight instructor (CFI) applied right anti-torque pedal input with the intention of simulating loss of tail rotor thrust while in a hover. The student correctly reduced throttle and both occupants agree that the helicopter contacted the ground. While neither occupant agrees as to who applied throttle control, throttle control input was applied and the helicopter became airborne with slow main rotor rpm. The CFI took the controls and attempted to cushion the landing, but the helicopter landed hard. There were no reported preimpact failures or malfunctions. After the accident the engine was placed in a test cell and operated to full power with no evidence of failure or malfunction.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
CFI should have guarded the throttle more closely during the maneuver.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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