BELL 206B

Justin, TX, June 12, 2009

Event Information

DateJune 12, 2009
Event TypeACC
LocationJustin, TX
CountryUSA
Coordinates33.04917, -97.29333
AirportBell Training Facility Helipor
Highest InjuryNONE
NTSB NumberCEN09CA351
Event ID20090612X63713

Aircraft

MakeBELL
Model206B
Registration #N43791
OperatorTEXTRON FINANCIAL CORP
OwnerTEXTRON FINANCIAL CORP
CategoryHELI
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The instructor pilot's failure to add sufficient power early enough to compensate for the strong gusting headwinds.

Full Narrative

The instructor pilot was demonstrating an “extended glide” autorotation to a paved landing “lane” when the accident occurred. The autorotation was initiated at an altitude of approximately 740 feet above ground level (agl). Upon reaching an altitude of 75 feet agl, the pilot determined he was going to land short of the paved surface so he applied power; however, lift was suddenly lost. He then noticed a raised concrete lip between the grass and the landing lane so he applied aft cyclic hoping the front of the skids would not catch on the raised pavement. The helicopter touched down in the soft terrain, slid over the rise in the pavement, and became airborne. The helicopter then touched down on the pavement at which time the tail boom was severed. The helicopter slid about 75 feet and turned to the right about 40 degrees prior to coming to rest. Winds at the time of the accident were from 180 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots. The autorotation was being performed to the south

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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