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Training Flight Ends with Stuck Pedal Approach and Tail Strike Damage (N382SP)

Broomfield, CO, US

On May 31, 2003, a Bell 206B III (registration N382SP) was involved in an aviation accident near Broomfield, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and the instructor's inadequate supervision. 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

During a training exercise involving simulated loss of tail rotor effectiveness, a helicopter sustained substantial damage to aft cross-tube saddle mounts after a hard landing and subsequent skid strike.

Incident Description

During a training flight, an instructor demonstrated six stuck pedal approaches (three left and three right) to simulate a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. The student then took the controls and initiated a simulated stuck right pedal approach. As the student applied collective lever control near the end of the approach, the helicopter's nose yawed to the right.

Approximately 2 feet above the taxiway, the student reduced power in an attempt to control the right yaw. The helicopter settled in a tail-low attitude, causing the rear of both landing skids to strike the taxiway. The impact caused the helicopter to rock forward. The instructor then assumed control to stabilize the landing.

Upon the instructor taking control, the helicopter became airborne again and the right skid tube struck the taxiway a second time. The instructor then rolled the helicopter forward, landing on both skid tubes, and slid the helicopter to a stop.

Damage

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to both aft cross-tube saddle mounts.

Probable Cause

(The source does not state a probable cause.)

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 May 2003 Bell 206B III accident near Broomfield, CO?

During a training exercise involving simulated loss of tail rotor effectiveness, a helicopter sustained substantial damage to aft cross-tube saddle mounts after a hard landing and subsequent skid strike.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 May 2003 Bell 206B III accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 May 2003 involved a Bell 206B III, registration N382SP, at Broomfield, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and the instructor's inadequate supervision.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030610X00836. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.