Pilot Debrief

HILLER OH 23B near Tynan, TX — 2016-12-10

Final reportCEN17LA055
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Date
2016-12-10
Location
Tynan, TX, USA
Aircraft
HILLER OH 23B
Registration
N5776
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's delayed and improper landing flare during a practice autorotation, which resulted in the tail rotor striking terrain.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot departed on his second solo flight in the helicopter. Before the accident, he completed two takeoffs and landings without incident. During a subsequent practice autorotation, the tail rotor struck the ground, the helicopter entered a spin, and it then came to rest near the place of initial impact. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical or system malfunctions with the helicopter before the accident. The flight instructor who witnessed the accident stated that the deceleration/flare was executed too low.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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