On February 20, 1987, a Hughes 269A (registration N90270) operated by Helicopter Services,of Jack. was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a hovering autorotation landing demonstration, the helicopter experienced low rotor RPM and ground contact, leading to the main rotor blades severing the tail boom.
Incident Overview
An instructor pilot was demonstrating a hovering autorotation landing with forward movement. After the throttle was closed, the helicopter hung in the air. The pilot then applied forward cyclic upon realizing the rotor RPM began to deteriorate. The helicopter subsequently contacted the ground in a slight nose-low attitude.
Post-Contact Maneuvers
Following ground contact, the pilot applied rear cyclic. Due to the low rotor RPM and the rear cyclic input, the main rotor blades severed the tail boom. The helicopter then spun approximately 90 degrees to the left before coming to rest.
Damage
The tail boom was severed by the main rotor blades. No further damage information is provided in the source.
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