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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Strikes Ground During Autorotation Training (N6711D)

Aurora, MO, US

On March 5, 1994, a Bell 47-62 (registration N6711D) operated by Wallace, Milo V. was involved in an aviation accident near Aurora, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE DUAL STUDENTS INADEQUATE FLARE AND THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S (FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR) DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION. 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 local instructional flight, a helicopter practicing 180-degree autorotations contacted the ground on the rear skids and bounced. The main rotor blades severed the tail rotor drive shaft.

Flight Details

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a dual student were conducting a local instructional flight focused on practicing autorotational landings. The student initiated a 180-degree autorotation maneuver.

Incident Description

During the autorotation, the CFI noted that the ground closure rate was too high and that the flare executed by the student was insufficient to adequately slow the descent. Just as the CFI reached for the controls, the helicopter made contact with the ground. The impact occurred on the rear one-third portion of the skids, causing the helicopter to bounce.

Damage

As a result of the impact and bounce, the main rotor blades struck the tail rotor drive shaft, severing it. No further damage or injuries were reported in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Mar 1994 Bell 47-62 accident near Aurora, MO?

During a local instructional flight, a helicopter practicing 180-degree autorotations contacted the ground on the rear skids and bounced. The main rotor blades severed the tail rotor drive shaft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Mar 1994 involved a Bell 47-62, registration N6711D, operated by Wallace, Milo V., at Aurora, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE DUAL STUDENTS INADEQUATE FLARE AND THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S (FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR) DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00887. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.