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NTSB Report
March 1, 2012 · Bell OH-58A · N38FA
Eufaula, AL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 1, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Eufaula, AL
Aircraft
Bell OH-58A
Tail Number
N38FA
Operator
B & S Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA199
The pilot reported that he was conducting annual refresher training with a certified flight instructor. During a practice autorotation to runway 18, the helicopter descended below a nearby tree line and then suddenly dropped. He stated that the helicopter descended so rapidly that he was unable to arrest the descent rate and the helicopter landed hard. The pilot reported that the wind was from 230 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 19 knots at the time of the accident. He reported that, as the helicopter descended below treetop level, "…we lost all lift and wind advantage." The hard landing resulted in a fractured tail boom. The pilots reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusting wind, which resulted in an excessive descent rate and hard landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was conducting annual refresher training with a certified flight instructor. During a practice autorotation to runway 18, the helicopter descended below a nearby tree line and "dropped vertically." He stated that the helicopter descended so rapidly that he was unable to arrest the descent rate and the helicopter landed hard. The pilot reported the winds from 230 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 19 knots at the time of the accident. He reported that, as the helicopter descended below treetop level, "…we lost all lift and wind advantage…" The hard landing resulted in a fractured tail boom. The pilots reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CST
Nearest AirportWeedon Field Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell OH-58A
Tail NumberN38FA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorB & S Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · T63-A720 · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 65 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 7 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time17:58
Weather SourceWFAC