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December 14, 2021 · Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · N862YB

Bridgeport, TX

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 14, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Bridgeport, TX
Aircraft
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 (2019)
Tail Number
N862YB
Operator
Oregon Airbus
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN22LA078

The pilot reported that he elected to practice a couple power recovery autorotations before landing at his destination. The first autorotation was uneventful. During the second autorotation he decreased the throttle to what he thought was the idle position. Shortly thereafter, he received an “engine out” audio warning. He glanced at the throttle position on the collective and observed that he accidentally had the throttle in the off position instead of the idle position. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but with the ground quickly approaching, he elected to perform an engine out autorotation to the ground. He flared about 35 feet above the ground. About 7 feet above the ground, the main rotor RPM became too slow, and the helicopter dropped to the ground. The rear skids impacted hard; the helicopter rocked forward then came to rest on its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage, tail boom, and the tail rotor system. The pilot reported there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor RPM during an autorotation which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper placement of the throttle during the initial practice power-on recovery autorotation.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he elected to practice a couple power recovery autorotations before landing at his destination. The first autorotation was uneventful. During the second autorotation he decreased the throttle to what he thought was the idle position. Shortly thereafter, he received an “engine out” audio warning. He glanced at the throttle position on the collective and observed that he accidentally had the throttle in the off position instead of the idle position. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but with the ground quickly approaching, he elected to perform an engine out autorotation to the ground. He flared about 35 feet above the ground. About 7 feet above the ground, the main rotor RPM became too slow, and the helicopter dropped to the ground. The rear skids impacted hard; the helicopter rocked forward then came to rest on its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage, tail boom, and the tail rotor system. The pilot reported there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:50 CST
Nearest AirportBridgeport Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length5005 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407
Tail NumberN862YB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOregon Airbus
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C47F/4 · Turboshaft · 700
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Basc · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 9 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 F
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time13:55

Appendix: Source Data