Oxford, CO, USA
N668M
HUGHES 369HS
During a checkride with an applicant pilot, the designated pilot examiner was demonstrating a 180° autorotation. The applicant pilot reported the descent was too quick, the examiner flared too low, and the helicopter experienced a hard landing. An airport surveillance video showed the helicopter descend at a rapid rate and impact the runway. The helicopter came to rest on its left side and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor system. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
The designated pilot examiner’s failure to maintain a proper descent during a practice 180° autorotation which resulted in a hard landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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