NTSB Factual Report

On March 22, 2014, at 2000 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II, N44MD, impacted terrain during recovery from a simulated autorotation at the pilot's helipad near Menard, Texas. The helicopter sustained substantial damage that included damage to the firewall, tail boom, and main rotor. The commercial pilot was uninjured. The helicopter was registered to Rancho Bonito Livestock and operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. The local flight was not operating on a flight plan and departed from Menard, Texas at time unknown.

The pilot stated that he was practicing autorotations at his ranch when the helicopter tail struck the ground while he was adding power and performing a recovery. The helicopter pitched forward from the tail strike. The main rotor blades struck the ground after they had cut through the tail, and the helicopter rolled over onto its right side.

The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction/failure with the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate recovery from a practice autorotation, which resulted in an improper touchdown attitude and collision with terrain.