Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II N4447A accident near San Isidro, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper decision to conduct an autorotation with a tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was practicing autorotations when the accident occurred. After successfully completing several autorotations from the same direction, he elected to attempt one from a different direction, which put the helicopter into a tailwind. During the maneuver, when the pilot rolled off the throttle, the helicopter “lost RPM”. He attempted to add power but was too low to the ground and the helicopter landed hard and rolled onto its side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the pilot was seriously injured. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA400 for the full record.