What happened
On September 17, 2018, at approximately 13:35 UTC, an Agusta Bell 206 B helicopter was conducting a type rating check flight near Eisengraben, in the municipality of Jaidhof, Lower Austria. The flight, which originated from Krems Langenlois airport, involved a Type Rating Examiner (TRE) acting as the pilot in command and a student pilot performing the maneuvers.
After completing several flight skill assessments and ground maneuvers, the crew began a series of three-stage autorotation exercises. During the final stage of the training, the examiner reduced the engine power to the idle position to allow the student to initiate the autorotation. The student pilot successfully managed the descent and initiated the flare as planned. However, the examiner noted that the power lever remained at the idle position. Consequently, the pilot in command was unable to arrest the descent sufficiently, leading to a collision with the ground. The impact caused the main rotor blades to strike the tail boom, severing it from the fuselage. Both crew members were able to exit the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The Austrian SUB investigation examined the aircraft's airworthiness, the crew's qualifications, and the flight conditions. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and properly maintained, with all weight and balance parameters within limits. The crew members held the necessary licenses and medical certifications, and there were no signs of physiological or psychological impairment. Meteorological conditions were found to be favorable and were ruled out as a contributing factor to the accident.