On September 2, 2003, a Bell 47D1 (registration N64580) was involved in an aviation accident near Chino, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's inappropriate remedial action through the application of excessive aft cyclic during a run-on landing. A factor in the accident was the student's disregard for company procedures. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While practicing a run-on landing, a student pilot touched down on the skid heels, causing the helicopter to rock forward. The pilot's cyclic input led to main rotor contact with the tail boom.
Incident Details
During a training flight, a student pilot was practicing a run-on landing maneuver. The pilot touched down on the heels of the skids, causing the helicopter to rock forward. In response, the pilot pulled back on the cyclic control. This action resulted in the main rotor blades making contact with the tail boom. No mechanical problems were identified with the helicopter.
Pilot Experience
The student pilot had accumulated approximately 58 total flight hours in helicopters, with 7 hours as pilot-in-command. According to the operator, students were not authorized to practice run-on landings during solo flight.
Operational Context
The incident occurred while the pilot was under instruction. The operator's policy prohibited solo practice of run-on landings, indicating that the maneuver was intended to be performed only under direct supervision.