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September 15, 2020 · Bell 407 No Series · N489DM

Fort Worth, TX

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 15, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fort Worth, TX
Aircraft
Bell 407 No Series (2004)
Tail Number
N489DM
Operator
Dea
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA395

During a routine training flight, the helicopter was in the traffic pattern practicing power recovery auto-rotations, with the pilot under training at the flight controls. During the 5th practice auto-rotation, the flight instructor reduced the throttle, and the helicopter began a normal descent. During the deceleration flare, about 75 ft above ground level, the flight instructor heard the low rotor RPM audio tone. Using a positive transfer of control, the flight instructor quickly took the flight controls. He increased the throttle to what he believed to be the “FLY” position. The helicopter settled onto a taxiway. The main rotor blades severed the vertical fins on the horizontal stabilizer, and the tail rotor driveshaft was severed. The operator reported that the pilot did not rapidly roll the throttle to the “FLY” position during the deceleration/flare, and the helicopter contacted the ground at less than 100% rotor RPM. The operator stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s delay in rolling the throttle to the fly position during a practice autorotation maneuver that resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

During a routine training flight, the helicopter was in the traffic pattern practicing power recovery auto-rotations, with the pilot under training at the flight controls. During the 5th practice auto-rotation, the flight instructor reduced the throttle, and the helicopter began a normal descent. During the deceleration flare, about 75 ft above ground level, the flight instructor heard the low rotor RPM audio tone. Using a positive transfer of control, the flight instructor quickly took the flight controls. He increased the throttle to what he believed to be the “FLY” position. The helicopter settled onto a taxiway. The main rotor blades severed the vertical fins on the horizontal stabilizer, and the tail rotor driveshaft was severed. The operator reported that the pilot did not rapidly roll the throttle to the “FLY” position during the deceleration/flare, and the helicopter contacted the ground at less than 100% rotor RPM. The operator stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:53 CDT
Nearest AirportFort Worth (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 407 No Series
Tail NumberN489DM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDea
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royc · 250-C47B · Turboshaft · 650
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 41 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time16:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data