On April 24, 2000, a Hughes 500C (registration N9177F) was involved in an aviation accident near Salina, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of tail rotor effectiveness and the autorotation performed by the pilot. The unfavorable wind was a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft registered N9177F. Photo: R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A pilot reported losing directional control while maneuvering backwards into a gusty wind. The helicopter contacted terrain with left drift after a hovering autorotation. Metallurgical exam found no preexisting tail rotor anomalies.
Accident Overview
The pilot of a helicopter reported a loss of directional control while maneuvering backwards and turning into the prevailing wind. The pilot described the wind as "a little gusty." Recorded weather data from a station 12 nautical miles east of the accident site indicated a wind speed of 11 knots.
Maneuver and Impact
Following the loss of directional control, the pilot performed a hovering autorotation. During this maneuver, the helicopter contacted the terrain with a left drift.
Flight Manual Reference
The Rotorcraft Flying Handbook describes the characteristics associated with a loss of tail rotor effectiveness that can result from certain combinations of wind azimuth and helicopter airspeeds.
Tail Rotor Examination
A metallurgical examination of the helicopter's tail rotor assembly revealed no preexisting anomalies.
