Summary
On July 23, 2013, a Hughes 269B (N9484F) was involved in an incident near Lewiston, ID. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's incorrect application of the cyclic control during the landing.
The pilot stated that he was conducting a full down practice autorotation which involved landing the helicopter as the final step. During the landing, the helicopter bounced, which resulted in the main rotor striking the tail boom, severing the tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had applied more forward cyclic after the helicopter had contacted the ground. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR13CA337. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9484F.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's incorrect application of the cyclic control during the landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot stated that he was conducting a full down practice autorotation which involved landing the helicopter as the final step. During the landing, the helicopter bounced, which resulted in the main rotor striking the tail boom, severing the tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had applied more forward cyclic after the helicopter had contacted the ground. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR13CA337