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NTSB Report
May 11, 1989 · Hughes 269A · N9049J
Ozark, AL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ozark, AL
Aircraft
Hughes 269A
Tail Number
N9049J
Operator
Alabama Avi & Tech College
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89LA145
DURING HELICOPTER INSTRUCTIONAL FLT A STRAIGHT-IN TOUCHDOWN AUTOROTATION WAS ATTEMPTED. THE PLT SAID WITNESSES OBSERVED THE TAIL BOOM COME UP INTO THE TIP PATH PLANE. THAT EVENT USUALLY OCCURS WHEN TOUCH DOWN IS MADE ON THE HEEL OF THE SKIDS & THE MAIN ROTOR IS STILL PITCHED AFT BECAUSE OF CYLIC INPUT FOR THE LANDING FLARE. AS THE HELICOPTER ROCKS FORWARD AFTER THE HARD LANDING ON THE SKID HEEL, THE TAIL BOOM WILL BE SEVERED BY THE DISPLACED MAIN ROTOR. FOLLOWING THE TAIL BOOM SEPARATION THE HELICOPTER ROTATED ABOUT 120 DEGREES TO THE LEFT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S EXCESSIVE USE OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL AND THE MISJUDGED FLARE DURING A PRACTICE TOUCHDOWN AUTOROTATION.
Full Narrative
DURING HELICOPTER INSTRUCTIONAL FLT A STRAIGHT-IN TOUCHDOWN AUTOROTATION WAS ATTEMPTED. THE PLT SAID WITNESSES OBSERVED THE TAIL BOOM COME UP INTO THE TIP PATH PLANE. THAT EVENT USUALLY OCCURS WHEN TOUCH DOWN IS MADE ON THE HEEL OF THE SKIDS & THE MAIN ROTOR IS STILL PITCHED AFT BECAUSE OF CYLIC INPUT FOR THE LANDING FLARE. AS THE HELICOPTER ROCKS FORWARD AFTER THE HARD LANDING ON THE SKID HEEL, THE TAIL BOOM WILL BE SEVERED BY THE DISPLACED MAIN ROTOR. FOLLOWING THE TAIL BOOM SEPARATION THE HELICOPTER ROTATED ABOUT 120 DEGREES TO THE LEFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:20 CDT
Nearest AirportBlackwell Field (0nm N)
Runway30
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 269A
Tail NumberN9049J
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAlabama Avi & Tech College
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 11 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC