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NTSB Report
October 4, 1989 · Aerospatiale 350D · N3606Y
New Iberia, LA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 4, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
New Iberia, LA
Aircraft
Aerospatiale 350D
Tail Number
N3606Y
Operator
Petroleum Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW90LA003
DURING THE RECURRENT TRAINING FLIGHT, THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT ANNOUNCED A FORCED LANDING AND REDUCED THE FUEL CONTROL LEVER TO FLIGHT IDLE. THE SECOND PILOT UNDER INSTRUCTION INITIATED AN AUTOROTATION AND EXECUTED THE MANEUVER IN A SATISFACTORY MANNER UNTIL TOUCHDOWN. THE SECOND PILOT FAILED TO LEVEL THE HELICOPTER PRIOR TO THE TOUCHDOWN ON THE SOD, RESULTING IN THE REAR SKIDS CONTACTING THE GROUND FIRMLY. THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM FLEXED REARWARD AND A MAIN ROTOR BLADE CONTACTED AND SEVERED THE TAILBOOM.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE SECOND PILOT'S (UNDER INSTRUCTION) MISJUDGEMENT OF AIRCRAFT ATTITUDE DURING THE LEVEL OFF PHASE OF THE AUTOROTATION
Full Narrative
DURING THE RECURRENT TRAINING FLIGHT, THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT ANNOUNCED A FORCED LANDING AND REDUCED THE FUEL CONTROL LEVER TO FLIGHT IDLE. THE SECOND PILOT UNDER INSTRUCTION INITIATED AN AUTOROTATION AND EXECUTED THE MANEUVER IN A SATISFACTORY MANNER UNTIL TOUCHDOWN. THE SECOND PILOT FAILED TO LEVEL THE HELICOPTER PRIOR TO THE TOUCHDOWN ON THE SOD, RESULTING IN THE REAR SKIDS CONTACTING THE GROUND FIRMLY. THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM FLEXED REARWARD AND A MAIN ROTOR BLADE CONTACTED AND SEVERED THE TAILBOOM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 CDT
Nearest AirportAcadiana Regional (0nm N)
Runway34
Runway Length8002 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAerospatiale 350D
Tail NumberN3606Y
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPetroleum Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · LTS101-600A2 · Turboshaft · 615
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 10 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:30
Weather SourceWFAC