Probable cause
The pilot's incorrect application of the cyclic control during the landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was conducting a full down practice autorotation which involved landing the helicopter as the final step. During the landing, the helicopter bounced which resulted in the main rotor striking the tail boom, severing the tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had applied more forward cyclic after the helicopter had contacted the ground. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA337 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 23, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lewiston, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airp (KLWS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 269B
- N-number
- N9484F
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.