Casualties unknown

Helicopter Damaged During Practice Autorotation (N1101K)

Freemont, CA, US

On September 17, 1987, a Hughes 269C (registration N1101K) operated by Aris Helicopters Ltd was involved in an aviation accident near Freemont, CA. 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 an instructional flight, a helicopter touched down nose-high after a practice autorotation, resulting in a main rotor blade strike to the tail boom.

Incident Overview

A helicopter sustained damage during a training flight that involved a practice autorotation. The purpose of the flight was to provide instruction to a foreign national who held a U.S. private helicopter rating. The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that during the maneuver, as the helicopter descended through approximately 50 feet above ground level (AGL), he announced twice for the student to flare.

Sequence of Events

When the expected flare did not occur, the CFI took control of the helicopter and initiated a power recovery. However, evidence indicates that the helicopter touched down in a nose-high attitude. Following the touchdown, the main rotor blades contacted the tail boom. The helicopter came to rest 138 feet from the point where it first touched down.

Damage and Findings

The accident resulted in damage to the helicopter, specifically from the main rotor blade striking the tail boom. The source does not specify the extent of damage or any injuries. No other details about the aircraft, location, or weather conditions were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32123. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.