On September 2, 1989, a Bell 47G (registration N182JR) operated by Dick Hill Int. Flight School was involved in an aviation accident near Ozark, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE DUAL STUDENT TO PROPERLY FLARE DURING AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING AND PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE RIGHT SKID. THE CFI ALSO FAILED TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STUDENT'S ACTIONS ON THE FLIGHT CONTROLS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter rolled onto its right side after the tail boom rose during an autorotation landing, causing the main rotor blades to strike the ground. Investigation found a fractured right skid.
Accident Sequence
During practice of autorotation landings, the helicopter's tail boom began to rise after touchdown. This led to the helicopter rolling to the right, and the main rotor blades struck the terrain. The helicopter came to rest on its right side.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right skid, forward of the front upright, had fractured. The broken portion of the skid cut a groove in the grass approximately 2 feet in length before imbedding itself. This caused the helicopter to stop. The forward inertia from the skid impact brought the tail boom upward, which resulted in the rotor strike and rollover.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Sept 1989 Bell 47G accident near Ozark, MO?
A helicopter rolled onto its right side after the tail boom rose during an autorotation landing, causing the main rotor blades to strike the ground. Investigation found a fractured right skid.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Sept 1989 involved a Bell 47G, registration N182JR, operated by Dick Hill Int. Flight School, at Ozark, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF THE DUAL STUDENT TO PROPERLY FLARE DURING AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING AND PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE RIGHT SKID. THE CFI ALSO FAILED TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STUDENT'S ACTIONS ON THE FLIGHT CONTROLS.
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