Pilot Debrief

BELL 206 near Ridgeland, SC — 2011-02-24

Final reportERA11CA162
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Date
2011-02-24
Location
Ridgeland, SC, USA
Airport
3J1
Aircraft
BELL 206
Registration
N796M
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The certified flight instructor's delayed remedial action during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

According to the certified flight instructor (CFI), the student pilot was conducting a practice autorotation with a planned power recovery. The helicopter’s rotor rpm was maintained throughout the maneuver and the student pilot initiated the flare during the recovery stage. The student failed to increase the throttle and the CFI did not react in time to add engine power in order to recover. The CFI subsequently took authority of the flight controls and the helicopter landed hard. The main rotor contacted the tail boom, resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive shaft, and tail rotor control rod. The CFI stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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