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April 23, 2013 · Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · N2072M

Grand Canyon, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Grand Canyon, AZ
Aircraft
Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1
Tail Number
N2072M
Operator
Papillon Airways
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR13CA206

The flight instructor reported that she and the pilot receiving instruction were practicing autorotations. During an autorotation involving a right 180-degree turn, the flight instructor announced that the throttle was coming on, and then announced when full throttle was on. The pilot then started to level the helicopter. Because the wind had shifted to a tailwind during the maneuver, the pilot was forced to flare harder and use more cyclic control than expected. The flight instructor realized that completing a power recovery from the autorotation was going to result in an overtorque condition, took over control, and landed the helicopter. During the landing, the tailboom was substantially damaged. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction to recognize before entering the flare that the wind had shifted to a tailwind and terminate the practice autorotation.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that during an instructional flight, she and her student pilot were practicing autorotations. During a right turn 180- degree autorotation, the flight instructor announced that the throttle was coming on, and then when full throttle was on. The student then started to level the helicopter. As the wind had shifted during the maneuver, the student was forced to flare harder and utilize increased cyclic control. The flight instructor subsequently took control of the helicopter in order to prevent an engine over-torque and landed the helicopter. During the landing, the tail boom was substantially damaged. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 MST
Nearest AirportGrand Canyon National Park (7nm)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1
Tail NumberN2072M
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPapillon Airways
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250C30P · Turboshaft
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 23 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind292° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / -15 C
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time21:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data