NTSB Report – Hughes 269 Crash Killeen, Texas

NTSB Report # DFW08CA114.
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, April 23, 2008 in Killeen, TX
Probable Cause Approval Date: 5/28/2008
Aircraft: Hughes 269A, registration: N9064N
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

While practicing an autorotation maneuver, the pilot rolled the throttle back on and began a power recovery before reducing the throttle to continue the autorotation. The helicopter’s airspeed decreased to approximately 40 knots at 300 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot attempted to go-around but was unable to increase the rotor RPM (rotations per minute.) The helicopter continued to sink as the flight instructor attempted to increase power and reduce the sink rate. The flight instructor lowered the helicopter’s nose in an attempt to increase airspeed. At 50 feet AGL the pilot reported that a gust of wind decreased the helicopter’s airspeed further resulting in an increased sink rate. The flight instructor flared the helicopter as it approached the ground. The helicopter contacted the ground and rolled coming to rest on its side.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The pilot’s failure to maintain main rotor RPM and a safe rate of descent during the autorotation. A contributing factor was the gusty winds.