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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 21, 1995 · Mcdonnell Douglas H369 · N129BC

Panama City, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 21, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Panama City, FL
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas H369
Tail Number
N129BC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA95TA188

The pilot-in-command (PIC) was demonstrating a 180-degree autorotation with turn to a certified flight instructor (CFI). He entered the maneuver at about 900 feet agl, and a flare was initiated at about 50 feet agl. Initial collective pitch application was made at about 10 feet agl, and cushioning collective pitch was made at about 2 to 3 feet agl. The helicopter touched down slightly nose high, slid forward, and started to turn to the right. The PIC applied aft cyclic to the left and heard a loud noise as the helicopter came to a stop. The CFI felt the cyclic being moved rearward, but made no attempt to take the flight controls from the PIC. Visual examination of the helicopter revealed the main rotor blades had collided with the tailboom assembly.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot-in-command's improper aft application of cyclic control during a simulated touchdown autorotation on landing flare touchdown, resulting in the main rotor blades colliding with the tail boom assembly. Contributing to the accident was the improper supervision of the pilot-in-command by the check pilot.

Full Narrative

On July 21, 1995, about 1026 central daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas H369, N129BC, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 public-use training flight, crashed on landing at the Panama City-Bay County International Airport, Panama City, Florida. The helicopter was originally a U.S. military OH-6A. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot, and commercial pilot flight instructor were not injured. The flight originated about 1 hour 26 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated he initiated a 180-degree touchdown autorotation with turn at about 900 feet agl to runway 23. A flare was initiated at about 50 feet agl. Initial collective pitch application was made at about 10 feet agl, and cushioning collective pitch application was made at about 2 to 3 feet agl. The helicopter touched down slightly nose high, slid forward, and started to turn to the right. He applied aft cyclic to the left, and heard a loud noise as the helicopter came to a stop. He completed an emergency engine shutdown, exited the helicopter, and observed that the main rotor blades had collided with the tailboom assembly.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:26 CDT
Nearest AirportPanama City-Bay County (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length4888 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMcdonnell Douglas H369
Tail NumberN129BC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · T63A700 · Turboshaft · 317
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 8 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:48
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data