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Helicopter Tail Boom Severed During Auto Rotation Training (N64MK)

Honolulu, HI, US

On July 31, 1992, a Hughes 369D (registration N64MK) operated by Pce, Ltd. was involved in an aviation accident near Honolulu, HI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS DURING AN ATTEMPTED RECOVERY FROM AN OVER ROTATION DURING THE FLARE, AND, THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT. 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 check flight for a new flight instructor, an auto rotation practice resulted in a hard landing that severed the tail boom.

Incident Overview

According to statements from both pilots, the flight was conducted to evaluate a new flight instructor on the helicopter type. While practicing an autorotation to touchdown, the new flight instructor over-rotated during the flare, causing the tail skid to scrape the pavement.

Sequence of Events

The new flight instructor reported that he then pulled up on the collective, causing the helicopter to balloon upward to approximately 15 feet above ground level. With main rotor speed low, the helicopter subsequently landed hard. The main rotor flexed downward and severed the tail boom.

Instructor Input

The flight instructor who was checking out the new pilot stated that he had his hands on the controls during the maneuver but was unable to correct for the unexpected input by the new instructor in time to prevent the balloon and the subsequent hard landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 1992 Hughes 369D accident near Honolulu, HI?

During a check flight for a new flight instructor, an auto rotation practice resulted in a hard landing that severed the tail boom.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jul 1992 Hughes 369D accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 1992 involved a Hughes 369D, registration N64MK, operated by Pce, Ltd., at Honolulu, HI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS DURING AN ATTEMPTED RECOVERY FROM AN OVER ROTATION DURING THE FLARE, AND, THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15218. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.