Hughes OH-6A N46TP

Summary

On 4 January 2002 at about 20:05 local time, a Hughes OH-6A registered N46TP was involved in an accident near Tampa, Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 January 2002 at 20:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Tampa, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Tampa International Airport (KTPA)

Coordinates

27.9753, -82.5331

Aircraft

Hughes OH-6A

Registration

N46TP

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Public Use

Purpose of flight

Public Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Tampa → Tampa

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL02TA030

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's improper flare during practice autorotation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot, under the supervision of the flight instructor, initiated a full-touchdown autorotation in an unmowed, grassy practice area. After touchdown, the helicopter began a slow ground run for three to five feet with no abnormalities. The flight instructor and commercial pilot then reported a very hard hop, and the helicopter collided with the ground and began gyrating violently. Both pilots shut it down. Examination of the helicopter revealed the main rotor severed the tail boom, separating it from the airframe. The pilots reported no mechanical failures.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.