Accident Details
A Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) was administering a Commercial, Rotorcraft-Helicopter Practical Test to an applicant. According to the DPE, he instructed the student to perform a simulated engine failure from 450 feet above ground level (agl) over runway 13. The DPE initiated the maneuver by reducing the throttle to idle. The student did not respond, and the rotor RPM decreased. After assessing the situation, the DPE took control of the helicopter. He attempted to recover by decreasing the collective to the full down position, increasing the throttle, and applying slight forward cyclic. However, the DPE was unable to recover, and the helicopter impacted in a slight nose low attitude, then bounced and came to rest on its left side.
Witness Account
A witness reported seeing the helicopter at 50 to 75 feet above the ground before its forward speed stopped and it entered a steep, spiral descent. After reaching the accident site, the witness heard the student ask the DPE what had happened and if something had failed. The DPE responded, "No...it was me, I failed."
Post-Accident Remarks
No further details were provided in the official source regarding injuries, damage, or other factors.