Background
The flight involved the pilot/owner of a Robinson R-22 helicopter and an FAA pilot/inspector. The flight was intended to accumulate flight time for the inspector. The pilot/owner had logged 827 total flight hours, including 693 hours in the R-22 (681 as pilot-in-command). The FAA inspector had approximately 8,000 hours of helicopter experience, with about 6,000 hours as pilot-in-command and 5,000 as an instructor, but less than 50 hours in the R-22.
Maneuver Sequence
The FAA pilot/inspector first demonstrated an autorotation maneuver, then turned control over to the pilot/owner to execute the same maneuver. According to the FAA pilot, at the start of the maneuver, the pilot/owner applied abrupt, full left anti-torque pedal. This caused the helicopter to enter an uncoordinated turn, accompanied by violent vibrations and a decrease in airspeed to between 20 and 30 knots.
Recovery Attempt
The pilot/owner continued flying and recovered from the yaw. At approximately 250 feet above ground level (AGL), he began to apply collective pitch. The FAA pilot/inspector then intervened on the controls, believing the recovery was initiated at an altitude higher than desired. Both pilots were on the controls simultaneously.
Hard Landing
The pilot/owner reported that at about 150 feet AGL, the helicopter had full throttle and normal rotor RPM. However, the helicopter landed hard and subsequently rolled onto its right side.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was stated in the source.