N43791

Substantial
None

BELL 206BS/N: 4481

Accident Details

Date
Friday, June 12, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA351
Location
Justin, TX
Event ID
20090612X63713
Coordinates
33.049167, -97.293334
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The instructor pilot's failure to add sufficient power early enough to compensate for the strong gusting headwinds.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N43791
Make
BELL
Serial Number
4481
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Model / ICAO
206BB06
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
FORREST AVIATION CORPORATION
Address
141 JACKSONVILLERD
Status
Deregistered
City
PEQUANNOCK
State / Zip Code
NJ 07440
Country
United States

Analysis

The instructor pilot was demonstrating an “extended glide” autorotation to a paved landing “lane” when the accident occurred. The autorotation was initiated at an altitude of approximately 740 feet above ground level (agl). Upon reaching an altitude of 75 feet agl, the pilot determined he was going to land short of the paved surface so he applied power; however, lift was suddenly lost. He then noticed a raised concrete lip between the grass and the landing lane so he applied aft cyclic hoping the front of the skids would not catch on the raised pavement. The helicopter touched down in the soft terrain, slid over the rise in the pavement, and became airborne. The helicopter then touched down on the pavement at which time the tail boom was severed. The helicopter slid about 75 feet and turned to the right about 40 degrees prior to coming to rest. Winds at the time of the accident were from 180 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots. The autorotation was being performed to the south

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA351