Accident Sequence
During a recurrency flight, the instructor initiated a simulated engine failure at about 100 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot began an autorotation. At approximately 50 feet AGL, the rate of descent increased, and the throttle was rolled in to arrest the descent. According to the check pilot, the engine failed to respond. A flare was then initiated in an attempt to slow the helicopter. The helicopter subsequently impacted the terrain in a tail-low attitude and rolled over.
The private pilot noted that he and the instructor had performed three prior simulated engine failures shortly before the accident, and after each maneuver they executed a powered recovery to a hover.
Examination
Examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of pre-existing mechanical malfunction or failure. The fuel-injected engine started and ran normally after three to four start attempts, and it responded to throttle inputs in a normal manner.