Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

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2310 Total Accidents 425 Fatal 816 Fatalities 1982-2026
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Durango, Colorado

May 7, 2026 · NTSB CEN26LA181 · HUGHES 369HS (N926ES)
Minor/None
Note: This analysis may be based on NTSB preliminary reports, which represent an initial, incomplete investigation. Facts can change as the investigation progresses, and preliminary findings should not be assumed to be accurate or final. For older events, a final NTSB report may have been issued — always consult the NTSB Aviation Query for the authoritative record.

NTSB Narrative

The flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the pilot receiving the instruction and the pilot’s improper recovery from a practice autorotation in shifting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

Case Study & Lessons Learned

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NTSB Findings

  • Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Not attained/maintained
  • Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Monitoring other person-Instructor/check pilot
  • Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Sudden wind shift-Effect on operation

Details

NTSB ReportCEN26LA181
AircraftHUGHES 369HS
RegistrationN926ES
DamageSUBS
FAR Part091
Location37.1515, -107.7538
CPA Mountain Flying Ground School
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