Pilot Debrief

HUGHES TH 55 near Morganton, NC — 2015-05-05

Final reportGAA15CA061
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Date
2015-05-05
Location
Morganton, NC, USA
Airport
MRN
Aircraft
HUGHES TH 55
Registration
N7089S
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The flight instructor's delayed flare during a simulated auto rotation, which resulted in a tail rotor strike and rollover.

NTSB narrative

During a local flight a flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction remained in the traffic pattern to practice simulated auto rotations. The flight instructor reported that he was demonstrating a straight-in auto rotation with a full touchdown landing. He stated he flared too late, the tail rotor blades impacted the ground and the tail rotor assembly separated. Subsequently, the helicopter skidded on the grass and rolled over on its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the tail boom. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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