Bell 206 B3 Helicopter Hard Landing During Autorotation Training (ZS-HCZ)

Accident Overview and Aircraft Details On 6 April 2017, a Bell 206 B3 helicopter with registration ZS-HCZ was involved in an accident during a training flight. The aircraft, operated by Henley Air and owned by Kadi Investments 6688 CC, was conducting an autorotation exercise in the Kromvlei training area. The accident occurred at 0730Z (Coordinated Universal Time) at GPS coordinates S 26°21’37” E 028°04’43”, with a field elevation of 4981 ft. ## Flight History and Personnel The helicopter was carrying two occupants: a pilot-in-command (instructor) and a student pilot. The instructor held a commercial pilot license, was 28 years old, and had approximately 2,070 total hours of helicopter flying experience, including 120.7 hours on the helicopter type. The student pilot, who was in control at the time of the accident, held a private pilot license, was 46 years old, and had 514 total hours of helicopter flying experience, including 180 hours on the helicopter type. Both licenses were valid. ## Accident Sequence and Damage During the latter phase of the autorotation, the main rotor was rotating at low revolutions per minute (rpm). This resulted in a hard landing, causing the main rotor to flex and sever the tail boom. The helicopter was subsequently stopped, and all electrically controlled components were switched off. The investigation revealed that the hard landing was caused by the rotor RPM dropping below the minimum rotor speed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and contact marks on the main rotor. No further damage was reported, and neither occupant sustained any injuries. ## Meteorological Conditions At the time of the accident, the weather conditions were favorable for flight. The wind direction was from the north with light speed, the air temperature was 23°C, and visibility was CAVOK (Ceiling And Visibility OK). The accident occurred during daylight conditions.