Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA N7514V accident near Maricopa, Arizona

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s unstabilized approach during an autorotation that resulted in hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor of the helicopter reported that, he initiated the autorotation from about 1,000 ft above ground level (agl). As they were descending toward the runway, the instructor noted his airspeed at 55 kts and a high rate of descent. He began the flare, but the rate of descent continued, so he attempted a power recovery. The helicopter continued to descend, and he raised the collective, to cushion the landing. The helicopter landed hard, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom and vertical stabilizer.

The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA183 for the full record.