Pilot Debrief

MD HELICOPTER 369 near Mesa, AZ — 2021-02-08

Final reportWPR21LA109
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Date
2021-02-08
Location
Mesa, AZ, USA
Airport
FFZ
Aircraft
MD HELICOPTER 369
Registration
N7032V
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper pitch attitude for landing and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor, resulted in the main rotor blades impacting the tail boom.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter flight instructor reported that the intent of the flight was to perform autorotation training. With the foreign rated pilot at the flight controls, he noted a nose-high attitude while performing an autorotation. The touchdown was not hard or aggressive but when the helicopter rotated forward on the ground, the main rotor blades flexed down and impacted the tail boom. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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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