What happened
During a dual instructional flight, the flight instructor initiated a practice autorotation from 1,000 feet above ground level (agl) while operating within the traffic pattern. As the helicopter descended through 800 feet agl, the engine experienced a sudden loss of all power. This unexpected failure transformed the intended practice maneuver into an unplanned forced landing.
The pilot reported that all flight instruments were operating within normal parameters immediately prior to the engine power loss. The aircraft touched down at the approach end of the runway with a forward speed of approximately 2 to 3 miles per hour. Following the soft touchdown, the aircraft tipped forward and experienced violent shaking. During this movement, the main rotor blade made contact with the airframe, causing substantial damage to the aircraft. There were no injuries reported in the incident.