Probable cause
The student pilot's delayed and improper landing flare during a practice autorotation, which resulted in the tail rotor striking terrain.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot departed on his second solo flight in the helicopter. Before the accident, he completed two takeoffs and landings without incident. During a subsequent practice autorotation, the tail rotor struck the ground, the helicopter entered a spin, and it then came to rest near the place of initial impact. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical or system malfunctions with the helicopter before the accident. The flight instructor who witnessed the accident stated that the deceleration/flare was executed too low.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA055 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 10, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tynan, Texas
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hiller OH 23B
- N-number
- N5776
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1943
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.