Helicopter rolls over during practice autorotation

Casualties unknown • Rialto, CA, US

A helicopter experienced a hard touchdown and rollover while a student pilot was performing a practice 180-degree full touchdown autorotation.

What happened

During a flight intended for dual instruction, a student pilot—who was a candidate for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating—was performing a practice 180-degree full touchdown autorotation. The student was in control of the aircraft during the maneuver.

As the maneuver progressed, the instructor observed that the airspeed had decreased and the main rotor RPM had become low. Although the instructor alerted the student to the low rotor RPM condition, the student failed to take decisive corrective action. Specifically, the student did not initiate a power recovery with enough time to prevent a low rotor RPM flare. This resulted in a hard touchdown and a subsequent rollover of the aircraft.

No occupants were reported injured during the event.

Probable cause

The student pilot failed to take timely corrective action by initiating a power recovery after airspeed decreased and main rotor RPM became low, leading to a low RPM flare and hard touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-05-01 Hughes 269C accident near Rialto, CA?

A helicopter experienced a hard touchdown and rollover while a student pilot was performing a practice 180-degree full touchdown autorotation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-05-01 involved a Hughes 269C, registration N5395S, operated by Western Operations, Inc., at Rialto, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot failed to take timely corrective action by initiating a power recovery after airspeed decreased and main rotor RPM became low, leading to a low RPM flare and hard touchdown.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21031. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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