HUGHES TH 55
Morganton, NC — May 5, 2015
Event Information
| Date | May 5, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA15CA061 |
| Event ID | 20150506X00432 |
| Location | Morganton, NC |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.82167, -81.61056 |
| Airport | FOOTHILLS REGIONAL |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | HUGHES |
| Model | TH 55 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The flight instructor's delayed flare during a simulated auto rotation, which resulted in a tail rotor strike and rollover.
Full Narrative
During a local flight a flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction remained in the traffic pattern to practice simulated auto rotations. The flight instructor reported that he was demonstrating a straight-in auto rotation with a full touchdown landing. He stated he flared too late, the tail rotor blades impacted the ground and the tail rotor assembly separated. Subsequently, the helicopter skidded on the grass and rolled over on its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the tail boom.
The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction reported no 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.