Accident Details
On August 23, 2024, at approximately 1130 eastern standard time, a Bell Textron Canada 505 helicopter, registration N945TC, was substantially damaged during an instructional flight near Marianna, Florida. The helicopter was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The student pilot and flight instructor on board reported no injuries.
Flight Sequence
The accident occurred at Marianna Municipal Airport (MAI) while the student pilot was performing a practice autorotation. According to the flight instructor, the student initiated the landing flare at about 80 feet above ground level with a "good nose up pitch to bleed airspeed without any aggressive rotor buildup." As the helicopter began to settle, the student pilot applied increased collective pitch along with some forward cyclic for a level landing.
Landing and Post-Landing Event
Both pilots reported that the initial touchdown on the runway was soft, with no bounce or drift. However, as the helicopter continued to slide along the runway, it began to bounce and shake "violently." The helicopter subsequently came to a stop.
Damage
A postaccident examination revealed that the helicopter had sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. No other damage was specified in the report.
Occupant Status
Both the student pilot and the flight instructor were uninjured.
Probable Cause
No probable cause or contributing factors were stated in the source material.