NTSB Factual Report

On July 11, 2002, at 2100 central daylight time, a Hughes HU-269-A, N911LH, registered to Palmer Adam, and operated by the flight instructor, collided with the ground during autorotation, at the Marion Co-Fite Airport in Hamilton, Alabama. The instructional flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The flight instructor and student pilot reported no injuries, and the helicopter was substantially damaged. The flight departed Marion Co-Fite airport at 1810, on July 11, 2002.

According to the flight instructor, the intent of the flight was to demonstrate emergency procedures. The flight instructor demonstrated several traffic patterns and approaches. The flight instructor stated that while demonstrating an autorotation he allowed the rotor rpm to deteriorate, the helicopter lost lift, and subsequently collided with the ground.

Examination of the wreckage found that the main rotor blades collided with the tailboom, and the tailboom and skids separated from the airframe. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the helicopter prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper use of flight controls that resulted in an improper flare and a hard landing during a practice autorotation. A factor was the loss of rotor rpm.