Probable cause
The inadvertent entry into ground resonance after a hovering autorotation.
NTSB analysis
The certified flight instructor (CFI) and pilot receiving instruction were practicing hovering autorotations on a taxiway. With the skids on the ground for about 20 seconds after completing a hovering autorotation and with the engine at 2,000 rpm, the helicopter began to vibrate and violently shake, consistent with ground resonance. The vibrations and shaking continued to increase and lasted about 15 to 30 seconds. After the shaking stopped, the CFI shut down the helicopter. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed that the tail rotor and gearbox separated, and the fuselage was bent and deformed. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter were noted that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA031 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 14, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Fort Worth Mecham Intl. Airpor (FTW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 269A
- N-number
- N10375
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.