On May 12, 2006, a Schweizer 269C (registration N7506L) was involved in an aviation accident near Lees Summit, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action which led to the hard landing during the practice autorotation. The misjudged glide path, the dual student restricting the throttle control, and the trees were factors in the accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter sustained damage after a hard ground impact during a practice autorotation; the instructor cited student's failure to release throttle control.
Incident Overview
A helicopter was damaged when it struck the ground hard during a practice autorotation. The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that he and his student were performing the maneuver when he realized they would not clear the trees bordering the landing area.
Instructor's Account
The CFI stated that he took control of the helicopter and attempted to add power, but encountered resistance in the throttle system because the student had not relinquished control. He noted that he may have pulled some collective to just clear the trees before flaring the aircraft. The helicopter subsequently impacted the ground in a level attitude and came to rest on its left side.
Outcome
The helicopter sustained damage during the event. No further details about occupants or injuries were provided in the source.