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NTSB Report
February 24, 2011 · Bell 206 B · N796M
Ridgeland, SC
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 24, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ridgeland, SC
Aircraft
Bell 206 B
Tail Number
N796M
Operator
Lady Alice
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA162
According to the certified flight instructor (CFI), the student pilot was conducting a practice autorotation with a planned power recovery. The helicopter’s rotor rpm was maintained throughout the maneuver and the student pilot initiated the flare during the recovery stage. The student failed to increase the throttle and the CFI did not react in time to add engine power in order to recover. The CFI subsequently took authority of the flight controls and the helicopter landed hard. The main rotor contacted the tail boom, resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive shaft, and tail rotor control rod. The CFI stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter.
NTSB Probable Cause
The certified flight instructor's delayed remedial action during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.
Full Narrative
According to the certificated flight instructor (CFI), the student pilot was conducting a practice straight-in autorotation with a planned power recovery from an altitude of 1,000 feet. The CFI stated that the helicopter’s rotor rpm was maintained throughout the maneuver. The student pilot initiated the flare during the recovery stage of the maneuver, but did not apply throttle, and the CFI did not react in time to add power in order to recover. The CFI subsequently took the controls and the helicopter landed hard. The main rotor contacted the tail boom, resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive shaft, and tail rotor control rod. The CFI stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 EST
Nearest AirportRidgeland Airport (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length2692 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206 B
Tail NumberN796M
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLady Alice
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 53 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 57
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time20:56
Weather SourceWFAC