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NTSB Report
May 5, 2015 · Hughes TH 55 NO Series · N7089S
Morganton, NC
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 2015
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Morganton, NC
Aircraft
Hughes TH 55 NO Series (1969)
Tail Number
N7089S
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA061
During a local flight a flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction remained in the traffic pattern to practice simulated auto rotations. The flight instructor reported that he was demonstrating a straight-in auto rotation with a full touchdown landing. He stated he flared too late, the tail rotor blades impacted the ground and the tail rotor assembly separated. Subsequently, the helicopter skidded on the grass and rolled over on its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the tail boom. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The flight instructor's delayed flare during a simulated auto rotation, which resulted in a tail rotor strike and rollover.
Full Narrative
During a local flight a flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction remained in the traffic pattern to practice simulated auto rotations. The flight instructor reported that he was demonstrating a straight-in auto rotation with a full touchdown landing. He stated he flared too late, the tail rotor blades impacted the ground and the tail rotor assembly separated. Subsequently, the helicopter skidded on the grass and rolled over on its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the tail boom. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EDT
Nearest AirportFoothills Regional (0nm NNE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes TH 55 NO Series
Tail NumberN7089S
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-B1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 60 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC