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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

September 23, 1997 · Bell 206-L4 · N9264G

Hurst, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 23, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Hurst, TX
Aircraft
Bell 206-L4
Tail Number
N9264G
Operator
Bell Helicopter Textron
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW97LA361

While the commercial pilot was terminating a practice straight-in autorotation, he initiated a flare and applied initial collective pitch to slow the helicopter's rate-of-closure. The aircraft touched down 'firm' with a 'slight nose high attitude,' and then a strong short shudder was felt as the aircraft slid to a stop within one helicopter length. The main rotor RPM was between 65 to 70 percent. The flight instructor examined the tailboom for damage before continuing with the the training flight. After completion of the planned maneuvers, the helicopter was flown to the Bell Helicopter Plant 8 Heliport and shut down. During a postflight inspection, wrinkles were found on the sides of the tail boom. The winds were reported from 180 degrees at 10 knots, and the density altitude was calculated at 2,401 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

The improper touchdown by the commercial pilot receiving instruction. A factor was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.

Full Narrative

On September 23, 1997, at 1010 central daylight time, a Bell 206-L4 helicopter, N9264G, registered to Textron Financial Corporation and operated by Bell Helicopter Textron, was substantially damaged during landing to the south at the BHT2 Training Strip, Hurst, Texas. The airline transport rated flight instructor and the commercial pilot receiving instruction, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan was filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. The flight originated from the Bell Helicopter Plant 8 Heliport, about 10 minutes before the accident. According to the flight instructor, the student was performing straight-in autorotations to the south. While the student was terminating a straight-in autorotation, he initiated a flare and applied initial collective pitch to slow the helicopter's rate-of-closure. The aircraft touched down "firm" with a "slight nose high attitude," and then a strong short shudder was felt as the aircraft slid to a stop within one helicopter length. The main rotor RPM was between 65 to 70 percent. The flight instructor added that after the landing, he examined the tailboom for damage. No damage was found and the training flight was continued. The flight instructor stated that "we were at the end of the period and left the practice area for the hill top [Bell Helicopter Plant 8 Heliport], did 4 slope operations and then parked the helicopter." During the post flight inspection of the helicopter, wrinkles were found on the sides of the tailboom. The winds were reported from 180 degrees at 10 knots, and the density altitude was calculated at 2,401 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:10 CDT
Nearest AirportBht2 Training Strip (0nm)
Runway18
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206-L4
Tail NumberN9264G
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBell Helicopter Textron
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C30 · Turboshaft · 650
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data