Incident Overview
An FAA operations inspector was performing a proficiency check for a pilot/operator while also obtaining flight time for personal recency requirements. Before the flight, the inspector administered an oral examination to the pilot. During preflight preparations, the pilot informed the inspector that the throttle on the right collective was inoperative—specifically, it was disconnected. However, the inspector did not assimilate this information. Additionally, during the preflight inspection, the inspector, who occupied the left seat, did not check throttle continuity to the right collective control.
Flight and Maneuvers
During the initial portion of the flight, the inspector flew the helicopter most of the time. Subsequently, the inspector directed the pilot to perform specific maneuvers to satisfy the proficiency check requirements. While returning to the airport, the inspector reduced his throttle to flight idle to simulate an engine failure and then transferred control to the pilot, instructing him to execute an autorotation.
Incident Sequence
The pilot did not realize that the inspector had reduced power using the operable (left) throttle until he raised the right collective in an attempt to recover from the autorotation near the ground. The helicopter subsequently sustained a hard landing.
Investigation Findings
An investigation disclosed that the pilot/operator had disconnected the right collective throttle linkage approximately two years before the flight. The inspector's failure to recognize the significance of the preflight briefing about the inoperative throttle and the lack of a throttle continuity check during preflight contributed to the sequence of events.