Casualties unknown

Helicopter Check Ride Incident During Autorotative Landing Maneuver (N9574F)

Deland, FL, US

On January 2, 1991, a Hughes 269C (registration N9574F) operated by Maverick Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Deland, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE COMMERCIAL PILOT APPLICANT TO PULL COLLECTIVE PITCH AND DELAY BY THE CHECK AIRMAN TO PULL COLLECTIVE AND APPLY POWER TO RECOVER, RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a commercial pilot check ride, a helicopter experienced a hard landing after the applicant failed to apply collective pitch and power at 6 ft AGL during an autorotative landing to a 3-foot hover. The CFI took control but the descent continued.

Incident Details

A helicopter was involved in an incident during a commercial pilot check ride. The check airman reduced the throttle to idle to simulate an engine failure. The applicant entered an autorotative landing and was advised that the maneuver would be completed to a 3-foot hover.

Sequence of Events

At 6 feet above ground level (AGL), the applicant did not pull collective pitch nor apply power. The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) took control and applied collective pitch and power, but the descent continued. The helicopter touched down, bounced, was recovered to a hover, and then landed with no further incident.

Conclusion

The incident involved a hard landing during a training maneuver. No further details were provided regarding the aircraft, location, or injuries.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16350. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.