HUGHES 269A
Cannon Falls, MN — June 1, 2010
Event Information
| Date | June 1, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA280 |
| Event ID | 20100601X64459 |
| Location | Cannon Falls, MN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.48111, -92.76111 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | HUGHES |
| Model | 269A |
| 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 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain rotor speed during the autorotation, which resulted in an excessive sink rate and a hard landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that shortly after liftoff he noticed a “disturbing vibration” in the helicopter. He initiated an autorotation to an open agricultural field. The pilot stated that he executed a 180-degree turn in order to avoid a tree line. He noted that the rotor speed got too low and he was unable to reduce the sink rate, which resulted in a hard landing. The main rotor contacted and separated the tail boom, and the right landing skid collapsed during the accident sequence. The pilot noted that additional practice in autorotation descents and landings might have prevented the accident.
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.