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NTSB Report
September 11, 1987 · Hughes 269A · N8709F
Morristown, TN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 11, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Morristown, TN
Aircraft
Hughes 269A
Tail Number
N8709F
Operator
Hal-Le-Copters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL87LA256
ONE CFI WAS DEMONSTRATING HIS PROCEDURES FOR AUTOROTATIONS WITH POWER RECOVERY TO HIS EMPLOYER WHO WAS ALSO A CFI. THIS WAS TO INSURE STANDARDIZATION WITHIN THE HELICOPTER PILOT SCHOOL. THE AUTOROTATION WAS ENTERED FROM ABOUT 700 FEET AGL TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. AT ABOUT 50 TO 60 FEET AGL, THE FLARE FOR LANDING WAS INITIATED AND POWER WAS APPLIED FOR THE RECOVERY. REPORTEDLY, THE APPLICATION OF POWER WAS TOO LATE FOR RECOVERY AND THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED THE GROUND IN A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER.
Full Narrative
ONE CFI WAS DEMONSTRATING HIS PROCEDURES FOR AUTOROTATIONS WITH POWER RECOVERY TO HIS EMPLOYER WHO WAS ALSO A CFI. THIS WAS TO INSURE STANDARDIZATION WITHIN THE HELICOPTER PILOT SCHOOL. THE AUTOROTATION WAS ENTERED FROM ABOUT 700 FEET AGL TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. AT ABOUT 50 TO 60 FEET AGL, THE FLARE FOR LANDING WAS INITIATED AND POWER WAS APPLIED FOR THE RECOVERY. REPORTEDLY, THE APPLICATION OF POWER WAS TOO LATE FOR RECOVERY AND THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED THE GROUND IN A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 EDT
Nearest AirportMoore-Murrell (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length5700 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 269A
Tail NumberN8709F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHal-Le-Copters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HO-360-B1B · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC