Pilot Debrief

BELL OH-58A near Eufaula, AL — 2012-03-01

Final reportERA12CA199
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Date
2012-03-01
Location
Eufaula, AL, USA
Airport
EUF
Aircraft
BELL OH-58A
Registration
N38FA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusting wind, which resulted in an excessive descent rate and hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was conducting annual refresher training with a certified flight instructor. During a practice autorotation to runway 18, the helicopter descended below a nearby tree line and then suddenly dropped. He stated that the helicopter descended so rapidly that he was unable to arrest the descent rate and the helicopter landed hard. The pilot reported that the wind was from 230 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 19 knots at the time of the accident. He reported that, as the helicopter descended below treetop level, "…we lost all lift and wind advantage." The hard landing resulted in a fractured tail boom. The pilots reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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