What happened
On November 23, 2023, a Sikorsky 269C-1 helicopter, registered as RP-C168, was conducting flight training maneuvers near Magalang, Pampanga. The flight, operated by Masters Flying School Inc., was en route from Plaridel Airport toward Binalonan, Pangasinan, for a scheduled cross-country navigation lesson.
During the flight, the crew attempted a simulated 180-degree power recovery autorotation. As the maneuver progressed, the student pilot was instructed to transition from idle power to full power to establish a hover at five feet above the ground. However, the student pilot failed to roll in the throttle during the flare. Although the flight instructor attempted to intervene and take control to apply the necessary power, the aircraft's descent could not be arrested, resulting in a hard landing in a cultivated field. While the crew escaped without injury, the aircraft suffered substantial damage to the engine and main skid due to the rotor striking the ground.
The investigation
The AAIIB investigation examined the flight training records, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the actions of both the flight instructor and the student pilot. Investigators reviewed the training syllabus and found that the maneuver being performed was not part of the planned cross-country navigation lesson. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the student pilot had been progressing through training without strictly adhering to the approved syllabus, and the instructor had not been submitting regular progress reports to the Head of Training.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the student pilot's improper recovery of the simulated 180-degree autorotation.
- The flight instructor provided delayed remedial action and failed to provide adequate supervision during the high-risk maneuver.
- A lack of situational awareness by the instructor regarding potential threats during the autorotation contributed to the event.
- Miscommunication between the instructor and the student pilot occurred during the critical phase of the maneuver.
- The instructor failed to brief the student on specific threats and countermeasures for the maneuver being performed.