HUGHES 269B
Lewiston, ID — July 23, 2013
Event Information
| Date | July 23, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR13CA337 |
| Event ID | 20130723X61229 |
| Location | Lewiston, ID |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.37444, -117.01527 |
| Airport | Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airp |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | HUGHES |
| Model | 269B |
| 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 incorrect application of the cyclic control during the landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that he was conducting a full down practice autorotation which involved landing the helicopter as the final step. During the landing, the helicopter bounced, which resulted in the main rotor striking the tail boom, severing the tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had applied more forward cyclic after the helicopter had contacted the ground. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures 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.