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NTSB Report
February 25, 1983 · Hughes TH-55A · N1040S
Council Bluffs, IA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 25, 1983
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Council Bluffs, IA
Aircraft
Hughes TH-55A
Tail Number
N1040S
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC83FA073
THE STUDENT, WHO WAS A RATED HELICOPTER PLT, AND A HELICOPTER INSTRUCTOR (CFI) WERE ON A DUAL INSTRUCTIONAL FLT. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE AIRCREW REMAINED IN A RIGHT TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR RWY 13 , INTENDING FOR THE STUDENT TO MAKE A 180 DEG AUTOROTATION TO A PARALLEL TAXIWAY. THE STUDENT OVERSHOT THE AUTOROTATIVE TURN & THE CFI INSTRUCTED HIM TO CONTINUE THE APCH TO A GRASS AREA BETWEEN THE TAXIWAY & RWY. THE CFI REPORTED THAT THE TOUCHDOWN WAS SMOOTH WITH ZERO AIRSPEED. HOWEVER, THE HELICOPTER BEGAN VIBRATING & TURNED TO THE LEFT. REPORTEDLY, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES HAD SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM.
Full Narrative
THE STUDENT, WHO WAS A RATED HELICOPTER PLT, AND A HELICOPTER INSTRUCTOR (CFI) WERE ON A DUAL INSTRUCTIONAL FLT. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE AIRCREW REMAINED IN A RIGHT TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR RWY 13 , INTENDING FOR THE STUDENT TO MAKE A 180 DEG AUTOROTATION TO A PARALLEL TAXIWAY. THE STUDENT OVERSHOT THE AUTOROTATIVE TURN & THE CFI INSTRUCTED HIM TO CONTINUE THE APCH TO A GRASS AREA BETWEEN THE TAXIWAY & RWY. THE CFI REPORTED THAT THE TOUCHDOWN WAS SMOOTH WITH ZERO AIRSPEED. HOWEVER, THE HELICOPTER BEGAN VIBRATING & TURNED TO THE LEFT. REPORTEDLY, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES HAD SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:38 CST
Nearest AirportCouncil Bluffs Municipal (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes TH-55A
Tail NumberN1040S
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsUnknown
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 21 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:47
Weather SourceWFAC