Aviation Accident Summary LAX96LA217

GEORGETOWN, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N9332F

Hughes 269B

Analysis

During a dual instructional lesson, the CFI initiated a practice autorotation from 1,000 feet above ground level (agl) while in the traffic pattern. The CFI reported that as the helicopter descended through 800 feet agl, all engine power was suddenly lost and the practice maneuver turned into a forced landing. Just prior to experiencing the engine power loss, all instruments had been in the green. The CFI further stated that the helicopter touched down softly at the approach end of the runway with a forward speed between 2 and 3 miles per hour. Thereafter, the helicopter tipped forward, shook violently, and the main rotor blade contacted the airframe which resulted in substantial damage.

Factual Information

On June 1, 1996, at 0948 hours Pacific daylight time, the pilot of a Hughes 269B, N9332F, initiated a practice autorotation from 1,000 feet above ground level (agl) while in the traffic pattern at the Georgetown Airport, Georgetown, California. At the time, the certified flight instructor (CFI) was providing dual instruction to his student. The aircraft was substantially damaged and there were no injuries. The flight originated at 0920 from private property in Foresthill, California. The CFI reported that as the helicopter descended through 800 feet agl, all engine power was suddenly lost and the practice maneuver turned into a forced landing. Just prior to experiencing the engine power loss, all instruments had been "in the green." The CFI further stated that the helicopter touched down softly at the approach end of the runway with a forward speed between 2 and 3 miles per hour. Thereafter, the helicopter tipped forward, shook violently, and the main rotor blade contacted the airframe which resulted in substantial damage.

Probable Cause and Findings

loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), while practicing an autorotation, which resulted in a forced landing; and the flight instructor's misjudged landing flare during the emergency autorotation/landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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