Accident Overview
A helicopter experienced a rollover during a training exercise involving simulated hydraulic system failure. The pilot, undergoing transition training with a flight instructor, had initiated the simulated failure out of sequence with the flight-training guide and landed without incident.
Sequence of Events
After landing with hydraulics still disabled, the instructor directed the pilot to hover-taxi approximately 100 feet, perform a left pedal turn, and then taxi back to the starting point. The pilot successfully completed the forward hover, but during the left pedal turn to return, control was lost. The instructor attempted to recover, but the helicopter rolled, and the main rotor blades struck the terrain.
Environmental Conditions
Following the turn, the helicopter's orientation resulted in a 14-knot tailwind. No other weather or time-of-day specifics were provided in the investigation.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact anomalies. The hydraulic servos were tested and showed high fluid flow rates, but no operational deficiencies were identified.
Subsequent Actions
Approximately one year after the accident, the helicopter manufacturer removed in-ground-effect maneuvers with the hydraulics off from their flight-training guide.