On May 26, 1989, a Bell 47D-1 (registration N2202C) was involved in an aviation accident near Ardmore, OK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR FAILED TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS DEVELOPING A DANGEROUS SINK RATE DURING THE AUTOROTATION AND TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION BY EXECUTING A POWER RECOVERY. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft sustained damage during a hard landing while performing a practice touchdown autorotation. The flight instructor was demonstrating the maneuver to a student pilot. The instructor reported gusty winds contributing to the accident.
Incident Details
An aircraft was damaged as a result of a hard landing during a practice touchdown autorotation. The certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating the maneuver to the student pilot.
Sequence of Events
During the instructional flight, winds increased to the point that the student pilot had difficulty controlling the aircraft. The CFI decided to demonstrate autorotations. On the second autorotation, the aircraft developed a high sink rate during the final descent. The CFI could not arrest the sink rate prior to the hard landing.
Weather Conditions
The CFI stated that the winds were from the north at 13 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The instructor felt that the wind conditions contributed to the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 May 1989 Bell 47D-1 accident near Ardmore, OK?
An aircraft sustained damage during a hard landing while performing a practice touchdown autorotation. The flight instructor was demonstrating the maneuver to a student pilot. The instructor reported gusty winds contributing to the accident.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 May 1989 Bell 47D-1 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 May 1989 involved a Bell 47D-1, registration N2202C, at Ardmore, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR FAILED TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS DEVELOPING A DANGEROUS SINK RATE DURING THE AUTOROTATION AND TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION BY EXECUTING A POWER RECOVERY. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS.
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