Incident Summary
An Enstrom F28F helicopter, registration N8623X, was involved in an accident during autorotation training at Groton-New London, Connecticut. The helicopter was performing an autorotation when a loss of power occurred. The student pilot, who was at the controls, entered autorotation with the understanding that it would terminate with a power recovery.
Sequence of Events
After flaring the helicopter with the skids level and maintaining directional control, collective pitch was applied. An increase in rotor RPM was initially observed, followed by a rapid decrease in RPM. The instructor pilot then took over control and attempted to land the aircraft straight ahead. Upon touchdown, the helicopter veered to the left. The skids failed in an outward direction, and the main rotor struck the ground.
Damage
The skids failed outward, and the main rotor blades contacted the ground. The extent of additional damage is not specified.