Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near West Palm Beach, FL — 2015-09-22

Final reportGAA15CA280
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Date
2015-09-22
Location
West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Airport
LNA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N44XL
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The flight instructor's improper use of pitch control during a demonstrated 180 degree autorotation which resulted in damage to the tail boom.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter flight instructor reported that during a local instructional flight, he was demonstrating a 180 degree autorotation to the ground. The flight instructor reported he entered the autorotation and everything was normal. During the flare, too much aft cyclic input was used and the helicopter touched down on the heels of the skids. The flight instructor reported the touchdown was not excessively hard or uneven. A post flight examination of the helicopter revealed that the main rotor blade had contacted the tail boom, causing substantial damage to the tail boom. The flight instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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