# NTSB Accident LAX04CA097
> **Eurocopter AS350 B3** · 2004-01-20 · Mesa, AZ, USA · NONE
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX04CA097
- **Event ID:** 20040203X00161
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2004-01-20
- **Location:** Mesa, AZ, USA
- **Coordinates:** 33.460834, -111.728332
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** NONE
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 3
- **Total aboard:** 3
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Eurocopter
- **Model:** AS350 B3
- **Registration:** N970AE
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

the pilot's excessive flare and mistimed collective application during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a loss of main rotor rpm and a subsequent hard landing.  Also causal, was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action and inadequate supervision of the flight.  The soft terrain was a factor.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX04CA097) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*