NONE · McDonnell Douglas MD-600N · 1996-11-21 · FLAGSTAFF, AZ, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX97LA061
Event ID
20001208X07083
Type
Accident
Date
1996-11-21
Location
FLAGSTAFF, AZ, USA
Coordinates
35.22969, -111.719329
Injuries
Highest injury
NONE
Fatal
0
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
1
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
McDonnell Douglas
Model
MD-600N
Registration
N630N
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot's inattention to the altitude and inadvertent late entry into an autorotation maneuver below the established minimum test altitude with a helicopter operating at maximum gross weight in a high density altitude environment that led to a subsequent hard landing. Contributing were the lack of positive communications between ground test personnel and the pilot regarding the low altitude, and the lack of accurate in-flight and ground altimeter equipment.