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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 23, 2008 · Hughes 269A · N9064N

Killeen, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Killeen, TX
Aircraft
Hughes 269A
Tail Number
N9064N
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW08CA114

While practicing an autorotation maneuver, the pilot rolled the throttle back on and began a power recovery before reducing the throttle to continue the autorotation. The helicopter's airspeed decreased to approximately 40 knots at 300 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot attempted to go-around but was unable to increase the rotor RPM (rotations per minute.) The helicopter continued to sink as the flight instructor attempted to increase power and reduce the sink rate. The flight instructor lowered the helicopter's nose in an attempt to increase airspeed. At 50 feet AGL the pilot reported that a gust of wind decreased the helicopter's airspeed further resulting in an increased sink rate. The flight instructor flared the helicopter as it approached the ground. The helicopter contacted the ground and rolled coming to rest on its side.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor RPM and a safe rate of descent during the autorotation. A contributing factor was the gusty winds.

Full Narrative

While practicing an autorotation maneuver, the pilot rolled the throttle back on and began a power recovery before reducing the throttle to continue the autorotation. The helicopter's airspeed decreased to approximately 40 knots at 300 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot attempted to go-around but was unable to increase the rotor RPM (rotations per minute.) The helicopter continued to sink as the flight instructor attempted to increase power and reduce the sink rate. The flight instructor lowered the helicopter's nose in an attempt to increase airspeed. At 50 feet AGL the pilot reported that a gust of wind decreased the helicopter's airspeed further resulting in an increased sink rate. The flight instructor flared the helicopter as it approached the ground. The helicopter contacted the ground and rolled coming to rest on its side.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:50 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHughes 269A
Tail NumberN9064N
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-BIA · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 30 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 18 kt, gusting 28 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time22:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data