Probable cause
The pilot's improper recovery from a practice autorotation.
NTSB analysis
The certificated flight instructor (CFI) attempted a practice autorotation to a power recovery over a runway. During the recovery attempt, the helicopter hit the runway in a level attitude, bounced, touched down again, and rolled over. Winds at the time were variable at 5 knots. No preimpact mechanical anomalies were noted by ether the pilots, or by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the helicopter after the accident. The CFI reported 6,766 hours of flight experience as pilot in command, which included about 300 hours in the accident helicopter make and model.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08TA183 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 15, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lake Wales, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Lake Wales Municiple Airport (X07)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R44 II
- N-number
- N911GJ
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- PUBL
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.