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Hard Landing Leads to Skid Failure and Tailboom Separation During Solo Practice (N17114)

Lehighton, PA, US

On March 28, 2003, a Bell 47G (registration N17114) was involved in an aviation accident near Lehighton, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing, and his continued flight operations with a known discrepancy. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot, after a hard landing and a refused autorotation lesson due to skid damage concerns, continued solo practice. A skid broke and a main rotor blade severed the tailboom.

Incident Overview

During a solo flight, the student pilot, who also owned the helicopter, made a hard landing. After the flight, the student wanted to practice full autorotations with his flight instructor, but the instructor refused. The instructor was concerned that the hard landing may have caused damage to one of the skids.

Subsequent Actions

The student pilot then decided to practice running takeoffs and landings on his own. During these maneuvers, one of the skids completely broke. Subsequently, a main rotor blade severed the tailboom of the helicopter.

Outcome

The incident resulted in damage to the helicopter: one skid broke and the tailboom was severed by a main rotor blade. No other details about injuries or the extent of damage are specified in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Mar 2003 Bell 47G accident near Lehighton, PA?

A student pilot, after a hard landing and a refused autorotation lesson due to skid damage concerns, continued solo practice. A skid broke and a main rotor blade severed the tailboom.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Mar 2003 involved a Bell 47G, registration N17114, at Lehighton, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing, and his continued flight operations with a known discrepancy.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030709X01046. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.