Sequence of Events
A training flight was planned to practice hover-related maneuvers in a smooth, flat, grassy area on the west side of the airport, situated between the control tower and the runway. The flight instructor was monitoring the controls as the student pilot prepared to lift into a hover. According to the instructor, the helicopter was oriented into the wind, the controls appeared to feel correct, and control inputs were slow, smooth, and deliberate.
As the aircraft began to leave the ground, the right skid remained low and did not completely break contact with the ground, according to the pilot's belief. The helicopter then started to roll to the right. Despite the instructor's application of left lateral cyclic, the rolling motion continued. The main rotor blades subsequently contacted the ground, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side.
Instructor Observations
The instructor pilot stated that the control inputs were slow, smooth, and deliberate. The helicopter was positioned into the wind, and the controls felt correct. The instructor attempted to counter the right roll with left lateral cyclic, but the roll persisted, leading to the rotor strike.
Wind Conditions
At the time of the accident, the wind was reported from 350 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 30 knots.