Pilot Debrief

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER 369E near Manvel, TX — 2024-09-30

Final reportCEN24LA377
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Date
2024-09-30
Location
Manvel, TX, USA
Airport
3T2
Aircraft
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER 369E
Registration
N8372F
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper recovery from a practice autorotation which resulted 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 operator reported that during the practice autorotation, the pilot receiving instruction held the flare for too long and did not level the helicopter before touchdown. The helicopter landed hard and struck the tail on the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage, tail boom, and tail rotor drive system. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions of failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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