Pilot Debrief

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELI CO 530FF near Liberty Hill, TX — 2023-08-31

Final reportCEN23LA389
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Date
2023-08-31
Location
Liberty Hill, TX, USA
Aircraft
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELI CO 530FF
Registration
N530JR
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper recovery from a practice autorotation resulting in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the instructor’s inadequate supervision of the pilot receiving instruction.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the instructor’s inadequate supervision of the pilot receiving instruction.

NTSB narrative

During an instructional flight, the instructor reported that they were practicing simulated engine failures and power recovery autorotations. During the fourth practice autorotation, the pilot receiving instruction attempted to terminate the maneuver with power to a 5 ft above ground level hover. The pilot did not move the twistgrip throttle from idle power back to full open and began raising the collective. The helicopter “fell through” and experienced a hard landing onto a field. The helicopter bounced, touched down hard again and spun about 150° resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom and empennage. The instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that contributed to the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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