Probable cause
The certified flight instructor did not select an adequate landing site for the practice autorotation.
NTSB analysis
The certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a touchdown autorotation from an altitude of 1,500 feet above ground level to a turf runway. He stated that, during the maneuver, the helicopter's sink rate seemed high, so he continued to pull pitch to arrest the descent rate. The helicopter touched down with a slight forward speed on a downhill slope, and the rear portion of the skids became momentarily stuck in the soft turf. The helicopter pitched forward after breaking loose from the turf, and the main rotor blade contacted the vertical stabilizers and tail rotor drive shaft cover, resulting in substantial damage. The CFI stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA095 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 1, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wingate, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Us Helicopters Heliport (N46)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206L-3
- N-number
- N216TV
- 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.