Incident Overview
A helicopter experienced a tail rotor strike during autorotation practice after the certified flight instructor (CFI) passed control to the student pilot. The incident occurred when the helicopter was approximately 10 feet above the ground. As it became apparent that the helicopter was going to make a hard landing, the CFI attempted to apply corrective action. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the tail rotor struck the ground.
CFI Statement
The CFI stated that perhaps he had waited a little too long before attempting to reassume control of the aircraft from the student pilot.
Sequence of Events
The training maneuver involved autorotation, a technique used to land a helicopter without engine power. The CFI initially had control and then transferred it to the student. At a low altitude, the student's approach resulted in a descent rate that indicated a hard landing. The CFI's late intervention failed to prevent the tail rotor from contacting the ground.
Damage
The tail rotor struck the ground, causing damage to that component. No other details about the extent of damage were provided.