The tail rotor most commonly stops when it becomes stuck in neutral, causing the rear blade to stop spinning. This is caused because the pitch setting (of the tail rotor's spin) sticks. A process called hovering autorotation is the emergency procedure for this. Hovering autorotation occurs when the pilot switches the engine throttle to the off position and allows the helicopter to hover on the increased energy of the rotor. The helicopter will descend, and the pilot changes the collective pitch (the direction in which all of the helicopter's blades are spinning) as the aircraft approaches the ground. Please keep in mind this procedure lasts only two or three seconds.
Electrical fires can happen in the control panel (where the most electricity is), but also throughout the aircraft. There will be a smell of burning, but no smoke might be visible. The best way to stop this type of fire is by removing the electricity. Turn off the battery and electrical power and then restart, pulling the circuit breakers if necessary. Electrical fires can cause noxious chemicals, so the cabin must be ventilated.
This is a very serious problem and a pilot must get the helicopter to the ground quickly in this procedure. Autorotation is again the best method to solve this emergency. The doors of the helicopter should be unlatched while reaching the ground so that passengers can quickly exit the aircraft once on the ground. Always remember to stay low when exiting, as the blades might be spinning on top of or at the back of the aircraft.
Ditching occurs when a helicopter must land in the water. It can happen with the power on or off. The pilot enters autorotation, the doors are unlatched and all passengers should wear floatation vests. The pilot lands the aircraft on its side to make sure the departing passengers won't be near the blades. If the power is on but the aircraft must be evacuated, the pilot should hover above the surface and allow passengers to exit. Not hitting the water with the aircraft makes for a safer evacuation and reduces the chances of drowning. Please note that helicopters sink quickly, so there will be little time to evacuate if passengers wait until impact.
