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NTSB Report
September 23, 2009 · Bell 407 · N6040Y
Fort Worth, TX
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 23, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fort Worth, TX
Aircraft
Bell 407
Tail Number
N6040Y
Operator
Bell Helicopter Textron
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA604
The flight instructor was demonstrating a landing using the manual Full-Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) mode. While on short final, approximately 3 to 5 feet above ground level, the helicopter quickly descended right and forward. Suspecting wind shear, the flight instructor applied corrective controls but was unable to reverse the downward motion prior to ground contact. The helicopter's left rear skid, then right rear skid, contacted the ground before the flight instructor could bring the helicopter back to a hover. A postflight examination of the helicopter revealed damage to the vertical stabilizer and tail boom.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The flight instructor was demonstrating a landing using the manual Full-Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) mode. While on short final, approximately 3 to 5 feet above ground level, the helicopter quickly descended right and forward. Suspecting wind shear, the flight instructor applied corrective controls, but was unable to reverse the downward motion prior to ground contact. The helicopter's left rear skid contacted the ground followed by the right rear skid before the flight instructor could bring the helicopter back to a hover. A post-flight examination of the helicopter revealed damage to the vertical stabilizer and tail boom.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:40 CDT
Nearest AirportFort Worth Alliance (5nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 407
Tail NumberN6040Y
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBell Helicopter Textron
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royc · 250-C47B · Turboshaft · 650
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 66 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 48 · Unknown · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 48
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC