Pilot Debrief

BELL 206L-3 near Wingate, NC — 2011-12-01

Final reportERA12CA095
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Date
2011-12-01
Location
Wingate, NC, USA
Airport
N46
Aircraft
BELL 206L-3
Registration
N216TV
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The certified flight instructor did not select an adequate landing site for the practice autorotation.

NTSB narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a touchdown autorotation from an altitude of 1,500 feet above ground level to a turf runway. He stated that, during the maneuver, the helicopter's sink rate seemed high, so he continued to pull pitch to arrest the descent rate. The helicopter touched down with a slight forward speed on a downhill slope, and the rear portion of the skids became momentarily stuck in the soft turf. The helicopter pitched forward after breaking loose from the turf, and the main rotor blade contacted the vertical stabilizers and tail rotor drive shaft cover, resulting in substantial damage. The CFI stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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