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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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October 25, 2016 · Bell OH 58A NO Series · N161PD

Ponce, PR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 25, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ponce, PR
Aircraft
Bell OH 58A NO Series (1971)
Tail Number
N161PD
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA17CA056

During an instructional flight, the helicopter was about 40 to 50 ft above ground level and at 60 knots when the flight instructor intended to demonstrate a simulated engine failure and run-on landing. Although the flight instructor had intended to recover from the maneuver before an actual run-on landing, he noticed that he did not have enough rotor rpm to recover and chose to continue with the run-on landing. The helicopter then landed hard on a taxiway and slid about 300 ft before coming to rest upright. The flight instructor added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the aft engine bulkhead and wrinkles in the helicopter panels near the tailboom and rotor gear box.

NTSB Probable Cause

The helicopter flight instructor's inadequate demonstration of a simulated engine failure, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

During an instructional flight, the helicopter was at an altitude of 40 to 50 ft above ground level, at 60 knots, when the flight instructor intended to demonstrate a simulated engine failure and run-on landing. Although the flight instructor had intended to recover from the maneuver prior to an actual run-on landing, he noticed that he did not have enough rotor rpm to recover and elected to continue with the run-on landing. The helicopter then landed hard on a taxiway and slid about 300 ft before coming to rest upright. The flight instructor added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the aft engine bulkhead and wrinkles in the helicopter panels near the tail boom and rotor gear box.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 AST
Nearest AirportMercedita (0nm)
Runway12
Runway Length6900 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell OH 58A NO Series
Tail NumberN161PD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · T63A720 · Turboshaft · 4200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 42 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data