Probable cause
The flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot receiving instruction was performing a practice right 180-degree autorotation. During the approach, the airspeed decreased to about 40 knots, which shortened the approach angle. At 8 to 10 feet above the ground, the flight instructor advised the pilot to apply forward cyclic while maintaining the collective position. The flight instructor then "used what was left of the rotor rpm to cushion the landing." During the touchdown, the helicopter landed hard, which resulted in structural damage to the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA276 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 10, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206-L4
- N-number
- N2036F
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.