N9655F

Substantial
None

Hughes 269CS/N: Unknown

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, December 30, 2006
NTSB Number
DFW07CA050
Location
Mineral Wells, TX
Event ID
20070208X00155
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The loss of control as result of loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
HUGHES
Serial Number
Unknown
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
269C
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
269C

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BURNS JEREMY
Address
5429 CANDLEWICK TRL
City
GASTONIA
State / Zip Code
NC 28056-8935
Country
United States

Analysis

The 22-hour helicopter student pilot lost control of the single-engine helicopter while performing a hovering maneuver during a solo training flight. The pilot added that while hovering at a skid height of 10-feet above the ground, the helicopter encountered a phenomena known as loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE). The helicopter entered an uncontrolled hard spin to the right. The pilot responded by lowering the collective and the helicopter landed hard. The helicopter sustained structural damage to the right strut, the tail rotor drive shafts, and the right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot egressed from the helicopter normally and sustained no injuries. The winds at the time of the mishap were reported from 210 degrees at 6 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW07CA050