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Main Rotor Blade Strike on Tailboom Discovered Post-Flight (N60WJ)

Orlando, FL, US

On April 25, 1998, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N60WJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Orlando, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the flight crew to maintain main rotor RPM during a landing touchdown, which resulted in the main rotor blades contacting the tailboom. 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

After a 1-hour 35-minute training flight involving autorotations and simulated tail rotor malfunctions, maintenance personnel discovered damage consistent with main rotor blades contacting the tailboom. The CFI and student pilot reported no awareness of the event.

Flight Details

A flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot conducted a training flight lasting 1 hour and 35 minutes within the airport area. During the flight, the crew performed training maneuvers including touchdown autorotations, hovering autorotations, and simulated tail rotor malfunctions.

Damage Discovery

After returning to the ramp, company maintenance personnel observed damage to the aircraft. The damage was consistent with the main rotor blades contacting the tailboom. No further details about the extent of damage were provided.

Pilot Statements

Both the CFI and the student pilot reported that they were unaware of when the damage occurred. They stated that they did not experience any vibration or other indications during the flight that would suggest damage had taken place.

Investigation Status

The source document does not include any analysis or determination of probable cause. The incident remains under review by company maintenance personnel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Apr 1998 Bell 206L-1 accident near Orlando, FL?

After a 1-hour 35-minute training flight involving autorotations and simulated tail rotor malfunctions, maintenance personnel discovered damage consistent with main rotor blades contacting the tailboom. The CFI and student pilot reported no awareness of the event.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Apr 1998 Bell 206L-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Apr 1998 involved a Bell 206L-1, registration N60WJ, at Orlando, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the flight crew to maintain main rotor RPM during a landing touchdown, which resulted in the main rotor blades contacting the tailboom.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09932. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.