Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident, was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, during the instructional flight practicing autorotations, the pilot receiving instruction flared the helicopter in a more pronounced nose up attitude, an aft cyclic and higher descent rate, but not excessive enough to require him to take control. During the landing, the main rotor blades contacted the tail boom. The tail rotor driveshaft and vertical fins were substantially damaged during the landing. The flight instructor reported that there were no of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would preclude normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA059 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 7, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ft Worth, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Bell South Airfield Airport (XS04)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206-L4
- N-number
- N2036F
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1995
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.