Incident Overview
A helicopter conducting a night instructional flight experienced a hard landing during a practice autorotation following a simulated engine failure during takeoff. According to the operator, the toe of the right landing gear skid sank into the ground, causing the helicopter to make a 90-degree turn. The main rotor blades subsequently made contact with and severed the tailboom.
Maneuver Execution
The operator reported that the autorotation maneuver was entered below the recommended airspeed of 60 knots. Consequently, a high rate of sink developed during the landing flare, which the pilot receiving instruction was unable to arrest. No mechanical malfunction or failure was reported by either the pilot or the operator.
Damage and Outcome
The helicopter sustained damage to the tailboom due to main rotor blade contact. The extent of other damage was not specified. No injuries or fatalities were reported in the source.