Accident Sequence
A rated student pilot was demonstrating a straight-in autorotation maneuver. The maneuver was entered at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level (AGL). A flare was initiated at about 50 feet AGL. Initial collective pitch application was made between 15 and 20 feet AGL, and the student pilot did not level the helicopter using cyclic control.
The flight instructor (CFI) attempted to level the helicopter with cyclic control but was unable to completely level it. This was due to a premature application of all collective pitch by the rated student pilot and low rotor RPM. The helicopter then collided with the ground in a nose-high attitude on the heels of the skids.
After ground contact, the nose of the helicopter pitched down, and the main rotor blade collided with the tailboom assembly.