Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E N502SL accident near Winnsboro, South Carolina

Probable cause

The flight instructor's failure to monitor the simulated emergency procedure, resulting in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the intentional throttle application by one of the flightcrew.

NTSB analysis

During an instructional flight while in a three-foot hover, the certified flight instructor (CFI) applied right anti-torque pedal input with the intention of simulating loss of tail rotor thrust while in a hover. The student correctly reduced throttle and both occupants agree that the helicopter contacted the ground. While neither occupant agrees as to who applied throttle control, throttle control input was applied and the helicopter became airborne with slow main rotor rpm. The CFI took the controls and attempted to cushion the landing, but the helicopter landed hard. There were no reported preimpact failures or malfunctions. After the accident the engine was placed in a test cell and operated to full power with no evidence of failure or malfunction.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA023 for the full record.