Probable cause
The certified flight instructor's failure to maintain adequate main rotor RPM during the autorotation.
NTSB analysis
The certified flight instructor reported that the purpose of the flight was to demonstrate a variety of maneuvers to the student in the helicopter. Near the end of the flight the instructor demonstrated a power-on autorotation; however, he delayed the application of power and did not have sufficient rotor RPM to recover the helicopter before impacting the ground. Upon ground impact, the helicopter's tail rotor drive shaft and main rotor blades were damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions of failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA243 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Glendale, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Glendale Municipal Airport (KGEU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206B3
- N-number
- N59383
- 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.