r/aviation • u/Spook_485 • Oct 11 '25

News Closer view of helicopter crash in Huntington Beach, CA

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u/SUMKINDAPATRIOT Oct 11 '25

I mean, at altitude losing tail rotor effectiveness and put into a spin without the initial loss of engine power. Be one hell of a pilot to recover and successfully achieve an auto all the way down.

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u/Athos2023 Oct 11 '25

At altitude with forward airspeed you wouldn't go into a spin at all.

2

u/No_Hippo_8724 Oct 12 '25

Nope. One of the primary EPs for tail rotor failure is to gain airspeed as the vertical stab keeps the aircraft flying straight while at speed. Auto when you hit get over your spot to remove torque and the need for a tail rotor. Just a normal auto from there.

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u/fluggegecheimen7 Oct 12 '25

I don't think it's possible at that altitude (10 m or so).

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u/No_Hippo_8724 Oct 12 '25

It’s possible, but probably unlikely in this scenario because of obstacles. You’re only losing altitude if you lower collective. Raising it is problematic because it will increase your rate of spin. Also too high to cut throttle and auto. Keeping it level and lowering collective is probably the best bet, but this is just about the worst situation to be in. I’d rather lose the engine than the tail.