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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 27, 2008 · Bell 206B · N526DL

Murietta, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 27, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Murietta, CA
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N526DL
Operator
Go Heli
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA08CA124

The commercial pilot was receiving instruction and reported that during the seventh practice full touchdown autorotation, the helicopter touched down on the aft part of the landing skids and started to rock forward. He stated he applied aft cyclic to prevent the helicopter from rolling forward, and one of the main rotor blades subsequently struck the tail boom. The flight instructor said that he was unable to react in time to level the helicopter prior to touchdown. Examination of the helicopter revealed structural damage to the tail boom and tail rotor drive shaft. No mechanical anomalies were reported with the flight control system. The pilot stated in the "How could this accident have been prevented?" section of the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report form, "proper execution of a full down autorotation by fully leveling the aircraft before touchdown."

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action. A contributing factor to the accident was the dual student's improper flare.

Full Narrative

The commercial pilot receiving instruction reported that during the seventh practice autorotation to landing that day, the helicopter touched down on the aft part of the landing skids and started to roll forward. The pilot stated he applied aft cyclic to prevent the helicopter from rolling forward and one of the main rotor blades subsequently struck the tail boom. The flight instructor stated that he was unable to react in time to level the helicopter prior to touchdown. Examination of the helicopter revealed structural damage to the tail boom and tail rotor drive shaft. No mechanical anomalies were reported with the flight control system. The pilot stated in the "how could this accident/incident have been prevented" section of the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form, "proper execution of a full down autorotation by fully leveling the aircraft before touchdown."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 PDT
Nearest AirportFrench Valley Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN526DL
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGo Heli
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 39 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point5 C
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data