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Run-On Landing Instruction Results in Tail Rotor Strike Against Vehicle Barricade (N841LA)

Grand Forks, ND, US

On August 14, 1990, a Hughes 369E (registration N841LA) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Forks, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S (CFI'S) DELAY IN TAKING REMEDIAL ACTION AFTER HE AND/OR THE STUDENT FAILED TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT FOR A RUN-ON LANDING. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a run-on landing, a helicopter student pilot reduced throttle too much; the instructor took control but had difficulty due to the student's grip, leading to a tail rotor strike on a barricade.

Accident Sequence

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a dual student were conducting a run-on landing in a helicopter. The CFI was riding the controls while the student flew the helicopter. The student used the throttle for yaw control. During the approach, the student rolled off too much throttle. The CFI announced, "I have it." The student was slow to relinquish control, and the CFI experienced difficulty rolling the throttle back up with the student still on the controls. The CFI initiated a flare, but the tail rotor struck a vehicle barricade.

Circumstances

The vehicle barricade was located near the approach end of the runway and projected about 12 inches above the runway surface. The barricade was struck during the flare, resulting in damage to the tail rotor. No other details about the aircraft, operator, or other conditions were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Aug 1990 Hughes 369E accident near Grand Forks, ND?

During a run-on landing, a helicopter student pilot reduced throttle too much; the instructor took control but had difficulty due to the student's grip, leading to a tail rotor strike on a barricade.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Aug 1990 involved a Hughes 369E, registration N841LA, at Grand Forks, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S (CFI'S) DELAY IN TAKING REMEDIAL ACTION AFTER HE AND/OR THE STUDENT FAILED TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT FOR A RUN-ON LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PROXIMITY OF THE BARRACADE AND THE STUDENT'S DELAY IN RELINQUISHING CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23953. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.