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NTSB Report
July 30, 2007 · Hughes 269C · N428MS
Three Forks, MT
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Three Forks, MT
Aircraft
Hughes 269C
Tail Number
N428MS
Operator
Dk Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA07CA220
The instructor reported that during a training flight, while practicing an autorotation, the student began the cyclic flare and the tail of the rotorcraft struck the runway. The power recovery was initiated by the student and the instructor began to assist on the controls. The instructor reported that there was very little tail rotor effectiveness and that the aircraft then began to spin, made contact again with the ground and came to rest on its left side. The pilot reported no mechanical failure or malfunction with the helicopter prior to the accident.
NTSB Probable Cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during autorotation. The flight instructor's inadequate supervision was a factor.
Full Narrative
The instructor reported that during a training flight, while practicing an autorotation, the student began the cyclic flare and the tail of the rotorcraft struck the runway. The power recovery was initiated by the student and the instructor began to assist on the controls. The instructor reported that there was very little tail rotor effectiveness and that the aircraft then began to spin, made contact again with the ground and came to rest on its left side. The pilot reported no mechanical failure or malfunction with the helicopter prior to the accident.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 MDT
Nearest AirportThree Forks (0nm)
Runway02
Runway Length5100 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 269C
Tail NumberN428MS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDk Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-SER · Reciprocating
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 30 · First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time19:00
Weather SourceWFAC