Accident Details
A helicopter training accident occurred when a commercial pilot-rated student was practicing a rapid deceleration maneuver under the supervision of an instructor. The student reported that he had demonstrated the maneuver and concluded it at an altitude of 10 to 15 feet in a hover.
Sequence of Events
While maintaining the helicopter in a hover, the student looked toward the instructor for a critique of the maneuver. He then felt a slight resistance on the flight controls, which he interpreted as the instructor taking control. Consequently, he released his grip on the controls. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter began to descend. Before the student realized that the instructor was not flying the helicopter, the aircraft contacted the ground with its skids and tail rotor. The helicopter then rolled to the right and came to rest on its right side.
Findings
Post-accident examination did not reveal any mechanical failures of the helicopter or its systems. The helicopter was equipped with skids and a tail rotor, which were damaged during the ground contact and subsequent rollover.