Incident Overview
A flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating autorotation procedures with power recovery to another CFI, who was also the instructor's employer, at a helicopter pilot school. The demonstration aimed to ensure standardization within the school's training protocols.
Sequence of Events
The autorotation was initiated from approximately 700 feet above ground level (AGL) near the departure airport. At an altitude of about 50 to 60 feet AGL, the pilot began the flare for landing and applied power for the recovery. According to reports, the power application occurred too late to effect a successful recovery. As a result, the helicopter contacted the ground in a nose-high attitude.
Consequences
Upon impact, the main rotor blades struck and severed the tail boom. The helicopter subsequently rolled over, sustaining substantial damage.
Findings
The investigation determined that the application of power was too late for recovery, leading to the hard landing and subsequent structural damage.