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Casualties unknown

2003-01-31: Bell 206L-1 (N27AE) — West Plains, MO

West Plains, MO, US

On January 31, 2003, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N27AE) was involved in an aviation accident near West Plains, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The excessive descent rate that required an abrupt flare, resulting in the main rotor severing 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a simulated autorotation, the helicopter's main rotor severed the tailboom following a power recovery attempt. The check airman described excessive sink rate and a subsequent impact that led to the rotor strike.

Maneuver

At the completion of a simulated autorotation maneuver, the main rotor severed the tailboom. The check airman reported that at approximately 20 feet above ground level he determined the sink rate was excessive and decided to perform a power recovery. The check airman stated, "I repositioned my hand, started opening the throttle while leveling the aircraft and applying a cushioning pitch pull."

Impact

The helicopter impacted off the left side of the runway with "the skids aligned with the direction of travel slightly aft skid low." The check airman reported, "The aircraft rocked up onto the toes of the skids and I increased collective pitch and applied aft cyclic, when I did the main rotor impacted the tailboom severing it."

Conclusion

The event involved a simulated autorotation, a power recovery attempt, and a subsequent impact that led to the main rotor striking and severing the tailboom. No analysis or causal factors are provided beyond the check airman's description.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030206X00171. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.