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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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March 26, 2016 · Hughes 369 D · N721RP

Jamestown, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 26, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Jamestown, ND
Aircraft
Hughes 369 D (1981)
Tail Number
N721RP
Operator
Haverfield International
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA168

The pilot reported that he was performing a practice autorotation with a power recovery, and was the sole occupant in the helicopter. He reported that the power was introduced at 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and he entered the flare at too low of an altitude. The tail rotor system impacted the soft ground adjacent to the planned landing area. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom, the tail rotor driveshaft assembly, and the tail rotor system. The pilot verified that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration has published Advisory Circular (AC) 61-140 Autorotation Training (2013). This AC discusses the flare portion for autorotation training and states in part: Every autorotational flare will be different depending on the existing wind conditions, airspeed, density altitude, and the aircraft gross weight. This AC also discusses common errors during autorotation training and states in part: Improper flare (too much or not enough). Flaring too low or too high (AGL).

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's excessive descent rate while flaring during a practice autorotation with a power recovery, which resulted in an impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was performing a practice autorotation with a power recovery, and was the sole occupant in the helicopter. He reported that the power was introduced at 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and he entered the flare at too low of an altitude. The tail rotor system impacted the soft ground adjacent to the planned landing area. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom, the tail rotor driveshaft assembly, and the tail rotor system. The pilot verified that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration has published Advisory Circular (AC) 61-140 Autorotation Training (2013). This AC discusses the flare portion for autorotation training and states in part: Every autorotational flare will be different depending on the existing wind conditions, airspeed, density altitude, and the aircraft gross weight. This AC also discusses common errors during autorotation training and states in part: Improper flare (too much or not enough). Flaring too low or too high (AGL).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CDT
Nearest AirportJamestown Rgnl (0nm SW)
Runway04
Runway Length5750 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHughes 369 D
Tail NumberN721RP
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHaverfield International
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time19:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data