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Casualties unknown

2003-05-07: Bell 206B (N81519) — Bell Helicopter Textron — Hurst, TX

Hurst, TX, US

On May 7, 2003, a Bell 206B (registration N81519) operated by Bell Helicopter Textron was involved in an aviation accident near Hurst, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The improper flare by the pilot receiving instruction, which resulted in the hard landing. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 13 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

A flight instructor demonstrated an out-of-ground-effect autorotation from 500 feet AGL and 0 knots. During a subsequent attempt by a pilot receiving instruction, the helicopter touched down hard after an excessive rate of descent and minimal cyclic flare.

Autorotation Demonstration and Practice

A flight instructor demonstrated an out of ground effect (OGE) autorotation from an altitude of 500 feet above ground level (AGL) and an airspeed of 0 knots. Following the demonstration, the pilot receiving instruction was asked to perform an OGE autorotation from the same altitude and airspeed.

Pilot's Maneuver

During the pilot's second OGE autorotation, he "rolled the throttle off and moved the cyclic slightly forward." The airspeed did not climb above 45 knots, and an excessive rate of descent was encountered. The pilot used almost no cyclic to flare the helicopter; however, he pulled "all collective available" prior to touchdown.

Touchdown

The helicopter touched down hard.

Investigation

The accident investigation source provided no additional details regarding aircraft type, registration, operator, date, location, occupants, injuries, damage items, time of day, weather, or ATC involvement. No probable cause was stated.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030519X00685. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.