Casualties unknown

Helicopter Transition Training Accident During Autorotation Practice (N9660F)

Lake Worth, TX, US

On May 30, 1985, a Hughes 300 (registration N9660F) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Worth, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During transition training with a non-certified instructor, a student practicing power recovery autorotations experienced engine throttle failure, resulting in a hard landing with substantial damage. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Accident Overview

A helicopter sustained substantial damage during a hard landing after the engine failed to respond to throttle application. The accident occurred while the new owner's son was practicing power recovery autorotations as part of helicopter transition training.

Training and Circumstances

The training was being conducted by the previous owner of the helicopter, who held no instructor certificate. The student, the new owner's son, had been performing power recovery autorotations when the engine did not respond to throttle input. A full autorotative landing was attempted but was unsuccessful, resulting in a hard landing.

Post-Accident Inspection

Following the accident, a post-accident inspection was performed. No mechanical malfunction was discovered during the inspection.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36482. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.