HUGHES 369
Jamestown, ND — March 26, 2016
Event Information
| Date | March 26, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA168 |
| Event ID | 20160329X65507 |
| Location | Jamestown, ND |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.92611, -98.68305 |
| Airport | JAMESTOWN RGNL |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | HUGHES |
| Model | 369 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's excessive descent rate while flaring during a practice autorotation with a power recovery, which resulted in an impact with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was performing a practice autorotation with a power recovery, and was the sole occupant in the helicopter. He reported that the power was introduced at 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and he entered the flare at too low of an altitude. The tail rotor system impacted the soft ground adjacent to the planned landing area. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom, the tail rotor driveshaft assembly, and the tail rotor system.
The pilot verified that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
The Federal Aviation Administration has published Advisory Circular (AC) 61-140 Autorotation Training (2013). This AC discusses the flare portion for autorotation training and states in part:
Every autorotational flare will be different depending on the existing wind conditions, airspeed, density altitude, and the aircraft gross weight.
This AC also discusses common errors during autorotation training and states in part:
Improper flare (too much or not enough).
Flaring too low or too high (AGL).
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.