Accident Details
On March 11, 2010, about 0830 eastern daylight time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, registration N8618F, was substantially damaged after landing at Naples Municipal Airport (APF), Naples, Florida. The certificated commercial pilot and airline transport pilot-rated check pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight, which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Flight Purpose
According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to complete a yearly check ride, which included all basic flight maneuvers and autorotations to landing.
Pilot Observations
During the third autorotation, after touchdown, the pilot heard a "thud" and "no longer had use of the anti-torque pedals." The check pilot visually observed damage to the tail section. The helicopter was shut down, and both pilots exited normally. Upon further inspection, the pilot stated that it appeared that "one or more of the rotor blades had struck the tail boom and severed the tail." The pilot also noted that the accident could have been prevented if the cyclic was "forward to neutral on and after touchdown."
Weather Conditions
The APF automated weather observation at 0853 reported winds from 130 degrees at 12 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, overcast clouds at 1,500 feet, temperature 22 degrees Celsius, dew point 20 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.83 inches of mercury.