Incident Summary
A private pilot rated helicopter student was performing the first landing of his first solo helicopter flight while his instructor observed from the ground. The student reported landing into 15-knot winds and stated that the aircraft was set down slowly, but he did not place the collective firmly on the floor. The aircraft was light on the skids, rotated left, and an over-control resulted in a tail strike, followed by a loss of anti-torque control. The helicopter then rotated 360 degrees before the main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter came to a rest on its side.
Pilot Background
The pilot's logbook records indicated a total flight time of 3,693 hours, which included 15 hours of rotorcraft experience. All 15 hours of rotorcraft flight time were acquired in the accident aircraft within the 30 days preceding the accident.
Sequence of Events
According to the student pilot, the landing sequence began with a slow touchdown into a 15-knot wind. However, the collective was not fully lowered, leaving the skids lightly in contact with the ground. The helicopter then began a left rotation. The pilot’s attempt to correct led to an over-control, resulting in a tail strike. Following the tail strike, anti-torque control was lost, and the helicopter entered an uncontrolled 360-degree rotation. The main rotor blades subsequently struck the ground, causing the helicopter to roll onto its side.
Outcome
The helicopter came to rest on its side after the main rotor blades struck the ground. The pilot’s account was the primary source of information regarding the sequence of events.