Probable cause
The certified flight instructor's delayed remedial action during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the certified flight instructor (CFI), the student pilot was conducting a practice autorotation with a planned power recovery. The helicopter’s rotor rpm was maintained throughout the maneuver and the student pilot initiated the flare during the recovery stage. The student failed to increase the throttle and the CFI did not react in time to add engine power in order to recover. The CFI subsequently took authority of the flight controls and the helicopter landed hard. The main rotor contacted the tail boom, resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive shaft, and tail rotor control rod. The CFI stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA162 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 24, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ridgeland, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Ridgeland Airport (3J1)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206
- N-number
- N796M
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.