Aviation Accident Summary SEA08CA124

Murietta, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N526DL

Bell 206B

Analysis

The commercial pilot was receiving instruction and reported that during the seventh practice full touchdown autorotation, the helicopter touched down on the aft part of the landing skids and started to rock forward. He stated he applied aft cyclic to prevent the helicopter from rolling forward, and one of the main rotor blades subsequently struck the tail boom. The flight instructor said that he was unable to react in time to level the helicopter prior to touchdown. Examination of the helicopter revealed structural damage to the tail boom and tail rotor drive shaft. No mechanical anomalies were reported with the flight control system. The pilot stated in the "How could this accident have been prevented?" section of the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report form, "proper execution of a full down autorotation by fully leveling the aircraft before touchdown."

Factual Information

The commercial pilot receiving instruction reported that during the seventh practice autorotation to landing that day, the helicopter touched down on the aft part of the landing skids and started to roll forward. The pilot stated he applied aft cyclic to prevent the helicopter from rolling forward and one of the main rotor blades subsequently struck the tail boom. The flight instructor stated that he was unable to react in time to level the helicopter prior to touchdown. Examination of the helicopter revealed structural damage to the tail boom and tail rotor drive shaft. No mechanical anomalies were reported with the flight control system. The pilot stated in the "how could this accident/incident have been prevented" section of the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form, "proper execution of a full down autorotation by fully leveling the aircraft before touchdown."

Probable Cause and Findings

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action. A contributing factor to the accident was the dual student's improper flare.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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