What happened
During a training session, a student pilot was performing the third practice hover to autorotation maneuver. When the aircraft was approximately three feet above ground level (agl), the student applied right rudder pedal and increased collective input in an attempt to cushion the impact at one foot agl.
The helicopter landed on its left skid first, followed by the right skid. This landing sequence caused the left front section of the skid to break at the junction to the undercarriage. There were no injuries reported following the event.
The investigation
An examination of the left skid was conducted following the breakage. The inspection revealed an overload fracture that originated from the outboard side and moved towards the inboard section of the left skid.