2007-07-30: Hughes 269C — Three Forks, MT

Casualties unknown • Three Forks, MT, US

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during autorotation. The flight instructor's inadequate supervision was a factor.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The instructor reported that during a training flight, while practicing an autorotation, the student began the cyclic flare and the tail of the rotorcraft struck the runway. The power recovery was initiated by the student and the instructor began to assist on the controls. The instructor reported that there was very little tail rotor effectiveness and that the aircraft then began to spin, made contact again with the ground and came to rest on its left side. The pilot reported no mechanical failure or malfunction with the helicopter prior to the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-07-30 Hughes 269C accident near Three Forks, MT?

The instructor reported that during a training flight, while practicing an autorotation, the student began the cyclic flare and the tail of the rotorcraft struck the runway. The power recovery was initiated by the student and the instructor began to assist on the controls. The instructor reported that there was very…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-07-30 involved a Hughes 269C, registration N428MS, at Three Forks, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during autorotation. The flight instructor's inadequate supervision was a factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070808X01144. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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