Introduction
A helicopter experienced a main rotor blade strike that severed its tail boom during a training flight. The incident occurred while a student pilot, who held a helicopter rating, and a certified flight instructor (CFI) were conducting a dual instructional flight.
Flight Details
After takeoff, the aircrew remained in a right traffic pattern for runway 13. The intention was for the student to perform a 180-degree autorotation to a parallel taxiway. During the maneuver, the student overshot the autorotative turn.
Incident Description
The CFI instructed the student to continue the approach to a grass area located between the taxiway and the runway. According to the CFI, the touchdown was smooth with zero airspeed. However, the helicopter then began vibrating and turned to the left.
Outcome
The main rotor blades reportedly severed the tail boom during the event. No further details regarding injuries, aircraft registration, or location were provided in the source.