Accident Overview
A helicopter was significantly damaged when it impacted the ground and burned while hovering. The aircraft was being flown by a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a dual student who held a private pilot certificate with a helicopter rating.
Pilot Reports
In a written report, the dual student stated that he raised the helicopter to a hover and rotated 90 degrees, facing downwind. He described the helicopter as feeling somewhat unstable in the gusty tailwind. He reported that the helicopter pitched up in the front, and he then felt a vibration in the tail. Subsequently, the helicopter turned, and the left skid impacted the ground, causing the helicopter to roll onto its left side.
The CFI provided a written report stating that after a rudder turn when the helicopter was facing downwind, the student "very abruptly pitched the nose up reacting to the wind behind him. The abrupt pitch attitude allowed the tail to strike the ground." The CFI noted that the aircraft was uncontrollable at that point and ultimately rolled onto its left side.
Weather Information
A weather reporting station located about 9 miles and 157 degrees from the accident site recorded winds at 1553 as 10 knots gusting to 18 knots from 230 degrees.
Helicopter Examination
No anomalies were found with respect to the helicopter, and none were reported.