Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary DFW07CA050

Mineral Wells, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N9655F

Hughes 269C

Analysis

Same as Factual Information

Factual Information

The 22-hour helicopter student pilot lost control of the single-engine helicopter while performing a hovering maneuver during a solo training flight. The pilot added that while hovering at a skid height of 10-feet above the ground, the helicopter encountered a phenomena known as loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE). The helicopter entered an uncontrolled hard spin to the right. The pilot responded by lowering the collective and the helicopter landed hard. The helicopter sustained structural damage to the right strut, the tail rotor drive shafts, and the right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot egressed from the helicopter normally and sustained no injuries. The winds at the time of the mishap were reported from 210 degrees at 6 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings

The loss of control as result of loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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