Probable cause
The pilot's excessive aft cyclic imput during the flare following an practice autorotation, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the tail boom.
NTSB analysis
During a helicopter flight review, the pilot completed three practice autorotations to a landing. After the third landing, the pilot heard a "thud" and no longer had use of the anti-torque pedals. Upon inspection, the tail boom was found to be severed. The cut was consistent with the tip path plane of the main rotor striking the boom, likely from excessive aft cyclic application during the flare. No flight control anomalies were reported by either crewmember.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA172 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 11, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Naples, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Naples Municipal Airport (APF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 369
- N-number
- N8618F
- 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.