Incident Overview
A pilot was conducting landing practice when the accident occurred. According to the pilot's account, he lowered the collective and centered the cyclic to halt a ground run during the landing. The helicopter began to vibrate, prompting the pilot to return the cyclic to center, roll off the throttle, and verify that the collective was lowered.
Sequence of Events
The helicopter continued to shake, and the blades subsequently struck the ground. The saddle fuel tank separated from the helicopter, and a fire ignited. The pilot was able to evacuate the helicopter before it was consumed by the fire.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the helicopter and its components that were not destroyed in the fire failed to reveal any failure or malfunction that would have resulted in the accident.