Accident
During a flight test for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate, an FAA inspector directed the pilot/applicant to perform a practice 180-degree autorotation with a power recovery. The maneuver was initiated at 650 feet above ground level (AGL). At entry, the engine needles split, rotor rpm remained in the green range, and the engine stabilized at 2,000 RPM.
As the maneuver progressed, the inspector observed that the helicopter appeared likely to overshoot the intended termination point. At approximately 50 feet AGL, the pilot began deceleration, and the aircraft started to settle. At that point, the inspector noted that the engine rpm had not yet increased. Concerned that the throttle had not been rolled on, the inspector took control of the helicopter and attempted to open the throttle. Despite these efforts, the helicopter continued to settle, touched down hard about 100 feet beyond the termination point, bounced once, pitched forward, and impacted the ground a second time. The helicopter then rolled tail over nose and came to rest on its right side.
Investigation
A postaccident inspection of the helicopter failed to identify any discrepancies in the engine or power controls.