2002-03-24: Hughes 269C — Bessemer, AL

Casualties unknown • Bessemer, AL, US

Probable cause

The failure of the flight instructor to adequately monitor the student's rotorcraft control, resulting in an abrupt cyclic input causing a tail rotor strike of the terrain while entering a hover, and the resulting rollover during an uncontrolled descent.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

At the successful completion of one practice straight-in autorotation to the grass area between the runway and taxiway, terminating with a power-on three foot hover, the CFI asked the student to repeat the same maneuver. On the second attempt, the student over controlled aft cyclic and caused a tail rotor strike before the CFI could recognize and counter the student's abrupt control input. The rotorcraft entered an uncontrolled right yaw until the landing skid caught the terrain, and rolled over on its right side. The student and CFI evacuated the rotorcraft out the left door, unhurt.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-03-24 Hughes 269C accident near Bessemer, AL?

At the successful completion of one practice straight-in autorotation to the grass area between the runway and taxiway, terminating with a power-on three foot hover, the CFI asked the student to repeat the same maneuver. On the second attempt, the student over controlled aft cyclic and caused a tail rotor strike…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-03-24 involved a Hughes 269C, registration N7490F, at Bessemer, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the flight instructor to adequately monitor the student's rotorcraft control, resulting in an abrupt cyclic input causing a tail rotor strike of the terrain while entering a hover, and the resulting rollover during an uncontrolled descent.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020326X00399. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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