Probable cause

The student pilot's abrupt cyclic and collective inputs during the approach to land which resulted in abnormal runway contact and a subsequent tail boom strike by the main rotor blades.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The flight instructor reported that while conducting an approach to landing, terminating at a three foot hover, the student pilot "pulled back on the cyclic and dumped collective", which caused the main rotor blades to contact the tail boom after the helicopter impacted the ground "hard".

The flight instructor reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and to the empennage.

Contributing factors

cause Student/instructed pilot
cause Incorrect use/operation
cause Pitch control — Not attained/maintained

Conditions

Weather: VMC, wind 320/05kt, vis 10sm

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11 Aug 2015: BELL 47D1 1 — GILLILAND, KENNETH L.