30 May 2009: HUGHES 369A — Pilot

30 May 2009: HUGHES 369A — Pilot

No fatalities • Baltimore, OH, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain a proper touchdown point, and his decision not to perform a go-around.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot attempted a practice 180-degree autorotation to a grass airstrip during a personal flight. The helicopter overshot the grass airstrip and touched down in an area of uncut grass that contained a tractor tire rut. During touchdown, the helicopter turned sharply to the left and then snap rolled to the right when the landing gear skid contacted the tire rut. The helicopter sustained damage to the tail boom and rotor blades resulting in substantial damage. The commercial pilot and passenger were uninjured.

Contributing factors

  • cause Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 260/05kt, vis 10sm

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