Probable cause
Abnormal ground contact during an autorotation demonstration, resulting in a severed tailrotor driveshaft.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter instructor was demonstrating a full down 180 degree auto rotation. He reported that everything was done normally and as he flared to slow the aircraft down, the tail skid lightly bumped the ground a couple of times. The skids eventually made contact with the ground and the helicopter slid about 20 feet to a stop. A post landing examination of the helicopter revealed that the main rotor blade had contacted the tailboom, severing the tailrotor drive shaft.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA002 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 5, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Justin, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 407
- N-number
- N41BH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1997
- 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.