Incident Overview
On September 19, 2012, at approximately 1230 central daylight time, a Hughes 269A helicopter (registration N37754) performed a hard landing following an autorotation near McCool Junction, Nebraska. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the Star City Flying Club of Lincoln, Nebraska, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan, originating from a private airfield.
Occupant and Damage Information
The certificated flight instructor (CFI) and the student pilot were not injured. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom.
Flight Details
According to statements from responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors, the purpose of the flight was to prepare the student pilot for an upcoming check ride. After takeoff, at an altitude of about 400 feet above ground level and an airspeed of 50 knots, the CFI reduced the engine to idle to simulate a loss of engine power. The student lowered the collective, and the engine subsequently quit producing power. An autorotation was initiated, but the helicopter descended rapidly and landed hard. The tail boom was severed, and the helicopter rolled onto its side.
Post-Incident Inspection
An inspection of the airframe and engine by FAA inspectors revealed that the air filter was approximately 80% obstructed by debris. A ground run of the engine indicated an excessively rich mixture.