N129BC

On July 21, 1995, about 1026 central daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas H369, N129BC, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 public-use training flight, crashed on landing at the Panama City-Bay County International Airport, Panama City, Florida. The helicopter was originally a U.S. military OH-6A. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot, and commercial pilot flight instructor were not injured. The flight originated about 1 hour 26 minutes before the accident.

The pilot stated he initiated a 180-degree touchdown autorotation with turn at about 900 feet agl to runway 23. A flare was initiated at about 50 feet agl. Initial collective pitch application was made at about 10 feet agl, and cushioning collective pitch application was made at about 2 to 3 feet agl. The helicopter touched down slightly nose high, slid forward, and started to turn to the right. He applied aft cyclic to the left, and heard a loud noise as the helicopter came to a stop. He completed an emergency engine shutdown, exited the helicopter, and observed that the main rotor blades had collided with the tailboom assembly.