SCHWEIZER 269C

Grand Forks, ND — September 22, 2014

Event Information

DateSeptember 22, 2014
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberCEN14CA513
Event ID20140923X00810
LocationGrand Forks, ND
CountryUSA
Coordinates47.95278, -97.17555
AirportGRAND FORKS INTL
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeSCHWEIZER
Model269C
CategoryHELI
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Probable Cause

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a tail rotor strike.

Full Narrative

The pilot receiving instruction was performing a practice 180-degree autorotation. Just prior to touchdown, the flight instructor perceived an abrupt loss in altitude, followed by a hard landing and tail rotor strike, which substantially damaged the tail rotor. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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