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NTSB Report
January 31, 1999 · Mcdonnell Douglas 369D · N58431
Las Vegas, NV
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 31, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Las Vegas, NV
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas 369D
Tail Number
N58431
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX99TA088
The supervisor of the law enforcement helicopter unit reported that the pilot was performing a practice autorotative landing to touchdown when, during the landing flare, the tail stinger contacted the ground. The helicopter landed hard and the main rotor blades then flexed downward severing the tail boom.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to properly judge the landing flare maneuver during a practice autorotative landing resulting in a hard landing.
Full Narrative
On January 31, 1999, at 1445 hours Pacific standard time, a McDonnell Douglas 369D, N58431, was substantially damaged during a hard landing at North Las Vegas Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada. The commercial licensed pilot and one observer/passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flight which was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a public-use aircraft by the Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit. The unit supervisor reported that the pilot was performing a practice autorotative landing to touchdown when, during the landing flare, the tail stinger contacted the ground. The helicopter landed hard and the main rotor blades then flexed downward severing the tail boom.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 PST
Nearest AirportNorth Las Vegas (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMcdonnell Douglas 369D
Tail NumberN58431
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 19 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:56
Weather SourceWFAC