Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 269C near Arapahoe, NE — 2009-09-02

Final reportCEN09LA558
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Date
2009-09-02
Location
Arapahoe, NE, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 269C
Registration
N58163
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A sudden vibration for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

During cruise flight in a reciprocating single-engine helicopter, the pilot heard a loud noise and felt a vibration. The pilot immediately entered an autorotation and turned the flight controls over to the flight instructor. The flight instructor elected to continue the autorotation to an open field. During the landing the helicopter's landing skids stuck into the soft terrain, causing the helicopter's nose to pitch down and tail to pitch up. The main rotor blades impacted the tail boom, severing it; the helicopter subsequently rolled onto its side. An examination of the helicopter failed to find a reason for the noise and vibration.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a precautionary landing before entering autorotation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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