N9064N

Substantial
None

HUGHES 269AS/N: 96-0657

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
NTSB Number
DFW08CA114
Location
Killeen, TX
Event ID
20080516X00686
Coordinates
31.085832, -97.686386
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor RPM and a safe rate of descent during the autorotation. A contributing factor was the gusty winds.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N9064N
Make
HUGHES
Serial Number
96-0657
Year Built
1966
Model / ICAO
269A

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
VISTA AVIATION LLC
Address
7720 AIRPORT RD STE B
Status
Deregistered
City
TEMPLE
State / Zip Code
TX 76502-6974
Country
United States

Analysis

While practicing an autorotation maneuver, the pilot rolled the throttle back on and began a power recovery before reducing the throttle to continue the autorotation. The helicopter's airspeed decreased to approximately 40 knots at 300 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot attempted to go-around but was unable to increase the rotor RPM (rotations per minute.) The helicopter continued to sink as the flight instructor attempted to increase power and reduce the sink rate. The flight instructor lowered the helicopter's nose in an attempt to increase airspeed. At 50 feet AGL the pilot reported that a gust of wind decreased the helicopter's airspeed further resulting in an increased sink rate. The flight instructor flared the helicopter as it approached the ground. The helicopter contacted the ground and rolled coming to rest on its side.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW08CA114