Casualties unknown

2001-09-23: Hughes 369D (N268ST) — Civic Helicopters, Inc. — Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad, CA, US

On September 23, 2001, a Hughes 369D (registration N268ST) operated by Civic Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Carlsbad, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A hard landing due to the dual student's failure to maintain main rotor speed, his improper landing flare, and the flight control interference by the flight instructor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a full touchdown autorotation training maneuver, a student pilot allowed main rotor rpm to decay. The flight instructor attempted to stretch the glide using collective, leading to a delayed flare and a main rotor-to-tail boom strike.

Incident Summary

A flight instructor (CFI) overseeing a training session directed a student to perform a full touchdown autorotation. The student began the descent, but during the maneuver allowed the main rotor rpm to decay below the desired range.

Instructor's Actions

The CFI realized that the intended touchdown point was farther than the aircraft's current glide path could achieve. To overcome this discrepancy, the instructor chose to increase collective pitch rather than add engine power, an action intended to stretch the glide distance.

Outcome

The flare, which is the final pitch-up movement before landing, was delayed. When the helicopter contacted the ground, the main rotor blades struck the tail boom. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, location, date, or any injuries or damage details.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011006X02047. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.