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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 12, 2009 · Bell 206B · N43791

Justin, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 12, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Justin, TX
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N43791
Operator
Textron Financial
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA351

The helicopter instructor pilot was demonstrating an “extended glide” autorotation to a paved landing “lane” when the accident occurred. The autorotation was initiated at an altitude of approximately 740 feet above ground level (agl). Upon reaching an altitude of 75 feet agl, the pilot determined that he was going to land short of the paved surface so he applied power; however, lift was suddenly lost. He then noticed a raised concrete lip between the grass and the landing lane so he applied aft cyclic hoping the front of the skids would not catch on the raised pavement. The helicopter touched down in the soft terrain, slid over the rise in the pavement, and became airborne. The helicopter then touched down on the pavement, at which time the tail boom was severed. The helicopter slid about 75 feet and turned to the right about 40 degrees prior to coming to rest. Winds at the time of the accident were from 180 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The autorotation was being performed to the south.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained

Full Narrative

The instructor pilot was demonstrating an “extended glide” autorotation to a paved landing “lane” when the accident occurred. The autorotation was initiated at an altitude of approximately 740 feet above ground level (agl). Upon reaching an altitude of 75 feet agl, the pilot determined he was going to land short of the paved surface so he applied power; however, lift was suddenly lost. He then noticed a raised concrete lip between the grass and the landing lane so he applied aft cyclic hoping the front of the skids would not catch on the raised pavement. The helicopter touched down in the soft terrain, slid over the rise in the pavement, and became airborne. The helicopter then touched down on the pavement at which time the tail boom was severed. The helicopter slid about 75 feet and turned to the right about 40 degrees prior to coming to rest. Winds at the time of the accident were from 180 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots. The autorotation was being performed to the south

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 CDT
Nearest AirportBell Training Facility Helipor (0nm)
Runway18
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN43791
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTextron Financial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royc · 250-C20J · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 55 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 9 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data